Klingen (magazine)

Klingen was a Swedish modernist magazine published between 1917 and 1920 in Gothenburg. It was a highly influential publication in the development of Swedish modernism, particularly within the visual arts.

The magazine showcased works and writings from a diverse range of artists and writers, both Swedish and international, who embraced avant-garde styles such as cubism, futurism, expressionism, and other emerging movements. Klingen featured reproductions of artworks, literary pieces, and theoretical essays that challenged traditional artistic conventions and explored new forms of aesthetic expression.

Key figures associated with Klingen included the artist Gösta Adrian-Nilsson (GAN) and the writer and art critic Egon Östlund. GAN's artistic style and his role as a central figure in the magazine contributed significantly to its modernist character. The magazine served as a platform for discussing and promoting these new artistic ideas, often sparking debate and controversy within the Swedish art scene.

While short-lived, Klingen had a lasting impact on Swedish art and literature. It helped to introduce international modernist trends to a Swedish audience and fostered a more experimental and progressive artistic climate. Its focus on visual arts and literature provided a space for dialogue and experimentation, influencing the development of modernism in Sweden and beyond.