Niki de Saint Phalle

1930-2002

Inventor of the NanasA sculptress

A Model and actress

Creator of the “shooting paintings”

Who was Niki de Saint Phalle?

An author & illustrator

Mosaic dragon or lizard from Gaudi’s Park Güell

• In 1955, Niki visited Spain where she discovered the work of Antonio Gaudi.

• His Park Güell gave her the idea of creating a garden of sculpture herself one day.

Niki in front of finished “shooting painting,” 1961

• In 1961 and 1962, Niki organized several events at which she fired a gun at an assemblage, containing concealed containers of paint.

• The results were called “shooting paintings.”

Niki de Saint Phalle, Black Nana, 1968/69, painted polyester, 293 x 200 x 120 cm,

Ludwig Donation 1976

• Inspired by a friend’s pregnancy, Niki made her first Nanas in 1964.

• Saint Phalle's Nanas are like portly "mamas" - oversized mother goddesses who are young at heart, overflowing with love and a joy for life.

Golem, in Jerusalem’s Rabinovitch Park

• In 1971, Niki began her first large architectural project for children.

• Children slide down the three tongue-slides that erupt from the monster’s mouth

The High Priestess of Intuitive Feminine Power, Tarot Card No. II

• In 1978 Niki began laying out her Giardino die Tarocchi, a garden inspired by the Tarot cards.

• The garden contains 22 monumental scuptures and took 20 years to complete.

The Tarot Garden, Tuscany

The Empress in the Tarot Garden, Tuscany

• Niki lived inside the Empress for seven years while working on the garden.

• It was also her studio where she met with the crew, ate her meals, and made the models for the remaining cards.

The Angel of Temperance, Card No. XIIII in the Tarot Garden, Tuscany

• Temperance means not doing or having everything you want.

• Niki believed that she discovered the value of temperance while working on the garden, so she made an angel of this card.

Sculpture fountain at Place Igor Stravinsky, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris.

• While working on the Tarot garden, Niki also completed many other projects like the Stravinsky Fountain in Paris.

• She also, wrote books and plays, and designed furniture, jewelry, and sets for stage & film.

Entrance to Queen Califia’s Magincal Circle, Escondido, California,

Serpent-topped wall surrounding Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, Escondido, California.

Sculpture of Queen Calfia in Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, Escondido, California

• Califia is a legendary black Amazon queen, who was believed to rule an island paradise of gold and riches.

• She stands in the center of the garden, wearing gold armor, atop a huge eagle.

• Underneath the eagle is a small domed “temple” decorated with cosmic symbols.

Sculpture of Queen Calfia in Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, Escondido, California

Sculpture of Queen Calfia in Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, Escondido, California

Totem in Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, Escondido, California

• Eight large totemic sculptures surround Queen Califia.

• The contain various monsters, gods, and symbols that once played an important role in the lives of the people of California.

Niki de Saint Phalle in La Jolla, California