Niki de Saint Phalle

Born in France (1930), grew up in America, spent most of her adult life living in Europe. Fashion icon. Married artist Jean Tinguely. Public art around Europe and California, USA

Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) made a name for herself on the international art scene during the late 1950s and early 1960s. She was a key figure in the new generation of young artists who, at the beginning of the 1960s, were redefining the boundaries of what an artwork could be. Saint Phalle had a clear socio-political agenda and feminist commitment throughout her career. To an increasing degree, she worked in close dialogue with society and her audience, and by about the mid-1970s she invited them into monumental architectonic constructions in public settings. The catalogue explores different facets of this pioneering artist’s practices, such as her feminist commitment, her public art and her role as muse for the fashion giant, Dior.