The Colorful World of Niki de Saint Phalle at MUDEC

Running till February 16, 2025, MUDEC – Museo delle Culture in Milan hosts Niki de Saint Phalle, the first comprehensive retrospective anthology in an Italian public institution celebrating the Franco-American artist. Known worldwide for her vibrant and monumental Nanas, this exhibition goes beyond her iconic works to unveil her activism and the deeper, multifaceted layers of her art. Curated by Lucia Pesapane, the exhibition is produced by 24 ORE Cultura – Gruppo 24 ORE and promoted by the Municipality of Milan – Department of Culture, with Fondazione Deloitte as its Institutional Partner.

The exhibition unfolds across eight thematic sections, charting Niki de Saint Phalle’s artistic evolution from her beginnings in the 1950s to her final works. This rhythmic yet anthological approach juxtaposes her bold, colorful, and polymorphic creations with her less joyful personal story. It explores the struggles and resilience that defined her journey as both an artist and a woman living through an era of dramatic social and artistic transformation.

Among the highlights are her famed Nanas, round and maternal figures that celebrate femininity, sensuality, and empowerment. These works, though joyful on the surface, often reflect the artist’s inner battles and broader societal issues. Niki’s ability to break molds and provoke with unconventional pieces left a lasting impact on the art world.

Iconic Works and Personal Stories

Thanks to the collaboration with the Niki Charitable Art Foundation, the exhibition features over 110 works. These include a dozen large-scale pieces alongside a selection of works on paper, videos, and archival photographs. One notable highlight is her past as a Maison Dior model, captured in striking photographs. These images juxtapose her glamorous beginnings with her avant-garde artistic pursuits.

The exhibition also draws attention to Niki’s monumental public works. Among them is her celebrated Giardino dei Tarocchi in Capalbio, Tuscany, a masterpiece of sculpture and imagination. These works intertwine with deeply personal reflections, offering visitors a lens into her humanity and physical frailty. They also reveal her unwavering commitment to addressing social inequalities.

Her celebrated Shooting Paintings (“Tirs”) further exemplify her unique approach. Through these pieces, she destroyed as a means of creation. This radical artistic expression allowed her to confront grief and injustice, leaving a lasting mark on the art world.

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