French artist, a contemporary post-modernist sculptor who built a "tarot garden" in Tuscany. Married to sculptor Jean Tinguely, they lived in the "Empress" building of the garden. Died on 21 May 2002. Link to Wikipedia biography
Niki de Saint Phalle was a renowned French-American sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author. She is best known for her large, colorful, and often whimsical sculptures, particularly her Nanas, exuberant female figures that celebrate femininity and joy.
Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, as Catherine-Marie-Agnès Fal de Saint Phalle, she spent her childhood in New York City. Her early life was marked by trauma, which she later channeled into her art. Initially a model, she turned to art as a form of self-expression and therapy. Her early work involved assemblage and shooting paintings, a process that allowed her to release pent-up emotions and challenge traditional art forms.
In the 1960s, de Saint Phalle gained international recognition for her Tirs (Shooting Paintings) and began creating her signature Nanas. These vibrant sculptures, often monumental in scale, became iconic symbols of female empowerment and artistic liberation. Her work often addressed themes of feminism, female sexuality, and societal expectations.
Niki de Saint Phalle's vibrant and unconventional art has left a lasting impact on the art world. Her work continues to be celebrated for its originality, its bold exploration of female identity, and its message of joy and liberation. She defied categorization, working across various mediums and pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture and public art. Her work can be found in major museum collections worldwide.
While Niki de Saint Phalle is no longer with us, information about her life and work can be found through various online resources, including museum websites, art history archives, and online galleries. Search for her name to discover articles, interviews, and documentaries that delve deeper into her fascinating life and career.
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