The first full-career U.S. retrospective of French American avant-garde artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) opens April 27 at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Saint Phalle’s highly accessible works in two- and three-dimensions resonate with visitors of all ages and sophistication levels. Most of the pieces that will be on view have never been seen before in the U.S. Niki de Saint Phalle: Rebellion and Joy closes July 21, 2024.
Saint Phalle’s magic is the multiplicity of her work and her ability to discuss serious issues in an easily accessible way.
One of the most imaginative artists of the second half of the 20th century, the self-taught Saint Phalle burst upon the international art world in the 1960s as a rebel. First, she literally shot things up: firing .22 caliber rifles at plaster-covered paintings that contained hidden bags of liquid paint. Next, Saint Phalle created a joyous, distinctive language of iconic female forms called “Nanas”, which are powerful feminist celebrations of womanhood. Over many years, she created complex, immersive public art environments to free art from the walls of museums, self-financing these projects through creating replicas and licensed objects. All along, she also used her art to address issues of the day, including a commitment to social justice and as a supportive and educational way to fight the stigma of the emerging AIDS epidemic.
Saint Phalle truly believed that art could change the world.
The objects in this exhibition are drawn from the Musée d’Art Moderne et de Contemporain (MAMAC) in Nice, France, which houses one of the largest collections of her work, as well as the Niki Charitable Art Foundation. Nearly 100 paintings, sculptures, prints, and films will be on view.
The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45th and Oak Streets, Kansas City, MO. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission to the museum is free to everyone. For museum information, phone 816.751.1ART (1278) or visit nelson-atkins.org.
