Niki's World

by Ulrich Krempel

Published 24 February 2004
Populated with jolly Nanas, wobbly fountains and secret-filled gardens-the world of Niki de Saint-Phalle was made for children of all ages. Sculptor and artist Niki de Saint-Phalle's love for children is evident in all of her work. Her tactile, viewer-friendly creations invite them in, not just to look but to touch and explore as well. This colourful introduction to her art features her fascinating Tarot Garden in Tuscany, where enormous, mythic sculptures offer visitors a chance to enter and become part of a work of art, and includes pictures of Queen Califia's Magical Circle, the artist's last sculpture garden which opened in October 2003 near San Diego, California. "Niki's World" also focuses on the playful Stravinsky Fountain at the Pompidou Center, a kindergarten in Jerusalem, a children's house in Belgium and excerpts from "AIDS:You Can't Catch It Holding Hands", her renowned book. In addition to exposing children to the larger-than-life possibilities of Niki's works of art, this volume provides examples of the artist's paintings, collages, assemblages, sculptures, and models.