Works

Information about the work and context of creation

The Nanas, emblematic of Saint Phalle’s art, are round and colourful sculptures which celebrate the female form. The first of these sculptures had a surface of wool and patchwork fabric pieces, however soon after, the artist began to decorate them with polyester paint so that they would be weather resistant.

Her first Nanas were influenced by her friend Clarice Rivers who was pregnant at the time, however not all of the Nanas are pregnant, but they do stand out for their fertile, warm, and voluptuous forms.

The works are a tribute to women, represented here with a sense of freedom that has never been seen before. The impossible poses of the Nanas and their eye-catching colours situate the sculptures far away from the traditional idea of what it means to be female. They look happy in their own skinskin, and they cannot be tamed.

The Nanas of Hanover might be named after the three princesses of the city, but that didntdidn’t stop them from causing controversy amongst the locals. 

When they were first unveiled to the public, the public’s reaction was strong: there were many who opposed the statues but also many who supported their existence. It was decided that the matter would be settled with a big game of tug of war, which the supporters won: the Nanas would stay. 

Saint Phalle is the successor of many industry greats within the world of sculpture including Camille Claudel (1864-1943)and1943) and the American Anna Huntington (1876-1973). Saint Phalle is part of the tradition of creating large-scale feminist sculptures that belong to the French avant-garde scene, much like her contemporary Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010) did with her Maman series.

 Niki de Saint Phalle was a French artist who gained worldwide fame in the 1960s with her voluptuous and colourful feminine figures. Recognised as one of the most influential artists of the late 20th century, her most famous work is the monumental female figure, Hon (she in Swedish). This statue in particular causedcaused public outrage when it was first unveiled, and this was because visitors had to access the work by entering through the vagina of the statue. Provocation was what fuelled her art, as seen in her dynamic and vibrant works that highlighted important issues affecting women.  Art was something that Saint Phalle used to channel all the aggression she felt towards her parents after being sexually abused by her father at the age of 11.

Indications

Art

Plastic and visual expression
Sculpture
French, within the framework of French culture

Documents