Niki de St. Phalle

Date of Birth: October 29, 1930

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: May 21, 2002

Biography

Niki de Saint Phalle was a French-American sculptor, painter, and filmmaker, born on October 29, 1930, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. She is best known for her large-scale, vibrant sculptures and her work as a member of the Nouveau Réalisme movement. Saint Phalle initially gained public attention with her “Tirs” series, which involved shooting at canvases containing bags of paint, creating spontaneous and dynamic artworks. Her most iconic works include the “Nanas,” colorful, oversized sculptures of women that celebrate femininity and strength. Saint Phalle’s artistic endeavors extended to monumental projects like the Tarot Garden in Tuscany, Italy, a sculpture park inspired by tarot cards. Throughout her career, she challenged societal norms and explored themes of gender, identity, and liberation. Niki de Saint Phalle passed away on May 21, 2002, in La Jolla, California, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking art that continues to inspire.

5 Interesting Facts about Niki de St. Phalle

1. Niki de Saint Phalle was initially a fashion model before pursuing a career in art.

2. She created a series of shooting paintings where she fired a rifle at bags of paint, causing them to burst and create abstract compositions.

3. Saint Phalle’s “Nanas” sculptures are seen as feminist icons, celebrating the power and vitality of women.

4. She collaborated with Swiss architect Mario Botta to design a monumental sculpture called “Le Cyclop” in Milly-la-Forêt, France.

5. Niki de Saint Phalle’s Tarot Garden in Tuscany took over 20 years to complete and features 22 major sculptures representing the cards of the tarot deck.