New monograph explores Niki de Saint Phalle's defiant artistic legacy and Tarot Garden
The 2015 monograph 'Niki de Saint Phalle,' released by Museo Guggenheim Bilbao and La Fábrica, explores the artist's journey from her early work with Harry Mathews until her passing in 2002. This 368-page volume features timelines, photographs, and quotes that illuminate her artistic process. De Saint Phalle's creations incorporate items such as shoes and pipes, merging her personal identity with themes of transformation. Her Nanas series, notably 'Les Trois Grâces' (1995–2003), critiques conventional notions of beauty. The Tarot Garden (1978-1998) in Tuscany transforms Tarot cards into sculptures, funded by her perfume line. In a 1972 performance, she famously shot paint onto canvases, challenging Modernist masculinity. Contributions from Bloum Cardenas, Camille Morineau, and Catherine Francblin enrich the monograph.
Key facts
- Niki de Saint Phalle monograph published in 2015 by Museo Guggenheim Bilbao & La Fábrica
- Book includes 368 pages with detailed timeline of her career
- De Saint Phalle created Tarot Garden (1978-1998) in Tuscany, Italy
- She financed Tarot Garden through mass-produced perfume line sales
- Her Nanas series features biomorphic sculptures challenging beauty norms
- In 1972, she performed 'Niki de Saint Phalle Taking Aim' shooting paint with rifle
- She rejected Pop art label in interview with Maurice Rheims
- Book features contributions from Bloum Cardenas, Camille Morineau, Catherine Francblin
Entities
Artists
- Niki de Saint Phalle
- Harry Mathews
- Antonio Gaudí
- Henri Matisse
- Alberto Giacometti
- Bloum Cardenas
- Camille Morineau
- Catherine Francblin
- Maurice Rheims
- Louis Armstrong
Institutions
- Museo Guggenheim Bilbao
- La Fábrica
- artcritical
Locations
- Bilbao
- Spain
- Tuscany
- Italy
- Madison Avenue