The first abstract artist? (And it's not Kandinsky)

In the European art canon of the 20th century revolves around a small, elite group of white men. The typical creators of abstract art are taken to be Kandinsky, Malevich, and Modrian. Of course this is an oversimplification of the beginnings of abstract art movements, even in Europe. Slowly but surely, Hilma af Klint is getting the recognition she deserves as the true original European abstract painter. He work is inextricably tied to her mysticism, as she at an early age became a follower of the theosophical church. This Tate article gives Klint the credit she desrves, and explains her influences and the impacts of her work.