Existing comment:
New York Avenue Sculpture Project:
Niki De Saint Phalle:
The Artist:
Self-taught artist Niki de Saint Phalle (American, b. France 1930-2002) is best-known for her playful and colorful sculptures that celebrate women, children, cultural diversity, and love. In the 1960s, she became famous for her sculptures of voluptuous female figures that she called "Nanas" for Saint Phalle, these art works were "heralds of a new matriarchal age." Inspired by the work of Spanish artist and architect Antoni Gaudi (1832-1926), Saint Phalle began to make mosaic sculptures for public display during the 1970s.
The Sculpture:
Saint Phalle traveled broadly, read widely on world cultures, and often centered her work on mythology and spirituality. She worked on large-scale outdoor projects throughout Europe and the US. The works installed here on New York Avenue are made from polyester resin, fiberglass, stones, ceramic, glass, mirrors, and gold leaf. Saint Phalle used an array of colors and textures to engage the viewer with her sculptures and their themes that reflect contemporary global culture. |