Niki de Saint Phalle (1930 - 2002) is one of Europe's most fascinating artists. Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, the daughter of a banker, she grew up in the United States, and started out as a model working for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Life Magazine. Shortly after her marriage to Harry Mathews, Niki de Saint Phalle gave birth to a daughter, moved to Paris in 1952, travelled extensively, took acting lessons, gave birth to a son, suffered a nervous breakdown, and from 1956, worked intensively as an artist, concentrating particularly on assemblages.

With her shooting paintings (Tirs) and performances, Niki de Saint Phalle struck the nerve of the age in 1961, providing an important impetus for the 'Nouveaux Réalistes' movement, and embodied a new image of woman at an early stage.

These shooting paintings on prepared canvasses can be interpreted both as a revolt against rigid academicism, taboos and conventions, and an authentic protest against patriarchal society. Her critical analysis of women in society led from her figurative assemblages depicting altars, monsters and brides to her first Nanas made of yarn and cloth, which Niki de Saint Phalle created around 1964/65. Shortly afterwards, her colourful polyester cast Nanas, curved phenotypes of self-assured femininity began to conquer the world.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the twinning of Nuremberg and Nice, the Kunsthalle Nürnberg is staging an exhibition of around 80 works by Niki de Saint Phalle from the collection of the Musée d' Art moderne et d' Art contemporain (Mamac) in Nice. In 2001, the artist donated more than 170 of her works, significantly expanding the existing collection in Nice with its emphasis on 'Nouveau Réalisme', which includes works by Arman, César, Christo, Raymond Hains, Yves Klein, Mimmo Rotella, Daniel Spoerri, Jean Tinguely and Jacques de la Villeglé.

The Kunsthalle Nürnberg now presents the first concentrated selection in Germany of Niki de Saint Phalle's gift to the Mamac. On show are 35 assemblages, objects, models and sculptures, most of which were created between 1959 and 1965 and document the exciting development of her early work. Another focus is provided by the about 55 silk-screen prints and lithographs dating from 1968 to 2002.

The exhibition is generously sponsored by the foundation ZUKUNFTSSTIFTUNG DER STADTSPARKASSE NÜRNBERG FÜR DIE STADT NÜRNBERG with kind support from the city of Nuremberg's department of international relations.

A 48-page short guide in German accompanies the exhibition, providing a supplement to the catalogue published in October 2002 by the Musée d' Art moderne et d' Art contemporain in Nice (352 pages, French/English) of the donation by Niki de Saint Phalle.

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