Niki in the Garden
Through Sept. 6: Big. Bold. Beautiful. Explore a new collection of groundbreaking works by Niki de Saint Phalle, blooming in curated displays throughout the Garden.
About the Exhibition
In a year of anniversaries, what better way to celebrate the Garden’s 50th than an encore exhibition of artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s monumental sculptures that debuted at the Garden 20 years ago this spring.
The French sculptor, who died in 2002, was known as one of the first female sculptors of massive works, particularly her “Nanas” – light-hearted, whimsical and colorful large-scale sculptures of females, animals and monsters.
This year’s exhibition, presented May 9 – September 6, will feature 40 works in what’s believed to be the largest showing of the artist’s art ever presented in North America. Most will be on loan from the Niki Charitable Art Foundation and others from private collections.
“Those who saw the 2006 exhibit are going to relish experiencing these fun, joyful sculptures again, and those who didn’t are in for a major treat!” said Garden President & CEO Mary Pat Matheson.
The often-playful, extremely colorful sculptures range from Grand Step Totem, weighing in at 2,000 pounds, and the Large Yelling Man, towering as 16.5 feet, to small wall hangings of reliefs measuring 2 feet square.
The most iconic of the pieces – all displayed throughout the Garden as well as Conservatory, Orchid Center and Gardenhouse Gallery – will be The Three Graces frolicking in the Skyline Garden pond.
In addition, an interpretive exhibit on the artist and her work will be on display near the entrance to the Orchid Display House.
Who was Niki de Saint Phalle?
Niki de Saint Phalle was a French-American sculptor, painter, filmmaker, author and illustrator. Born Catherine Marie-Agnes Fal de Saint Phalle in 1930, she came to be known as one of the few female sculptors of monumental works as well as an advocate for women’s rights, social change and environmental awareness.
She became famous for her massive, colorful and playful sculptures addressing feminism, mythology, politics and personal trauma. Learn more about Niki de Saint Phalle in the latest issue of Clippings.
Dig Deeper
Don’t miss an interpretive exhibit on the artist and her work in the Fuqua Orchid Center hallway gallery.
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Cocktails in the Garden
Toast the Garden during its 50th anniversary while exploring Niki in the Garden in the cool of the evening during Cocktails in Garden. This year’s after-hours social marks the arrival of the World Cup in Atlanta with a “Cultures of the World” theme, each week featuring a different region celebrated with music, art, food – and, of course, cocktails!
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