Few artists' lives are as inspiring as that of Niki de Saint Phalle. While she started her career as a fashion model, a subsequent breakdown led to her taking up painting as therapy. Entirely self-taught, Niki spent the rest of her years devoted to art that was based in emotional truth and a feminist point of view. This graphic novel follows Niki's extraordinary career, from her early "shooting pictures," in which she fired bullets at bags of paint, to the creation of the exuberantly formed life-sized dolls she called "Nanas," which established her as an international success. The book also looks at her close collaborations with her husband and fellow artist Jean Tinquely; her painting, drawing, assemblage, performance art, and large-scale installations; and her work in film, theater, and architecture. The texts explore how Niki tackled social and political issues and institutions- and shows why her work remains as eloquent and powerful today as when it was first created. Looking beyond her brightly colored sculptures, this book tells the story of a woman who fought for a fairer world; a headstrong outsider, who made a name for herself in the male-dominated art world of the day; and an autodidact, who became one of the greatest artists of her time.

About the Author
Monica Foggia is a teacher, author, and radio presenter. She is helping produce a graphic novel on the artist Camille Claudel.

Valeria Quattrocchi is an artist, illustrator and cartoonist. She lives in Puglia, Italy.


Book Information
ISBN 9783791389318
Author Monica Foggia
Format Hardback
Page Count 128
Imprint Prestel
Publisher Prestel
Weight(grams) 601g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 176mm * 18mm