Lake Street, either by car, motorcycle, SUV, or the Elevated Above will all lead to Garfield Park Conservatory.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
Niki de Saint Phalle (October 29, 1930 - May 21, 2002), was born Catherine-Marie-Agnès Fal de Saint Phalle on October 29, 1930
in Neuilly-sur-Seine location of Paris, France. She had several husbands, a nervous break down or two, did painting by shooting at bottles of paint with rifles, and was a beautiful woman filled with the zest of life. Her joy of living can be felt
in the wondrous show on exhibit at the Garfield Park Conservatory (running until October of 2007).
Niki de Saint Phalle was impressed with the works of Mr. Antonio Gaudí, the well known Spanish artist and architect.
Anyone who has been to Barcelona will find Antonio Gaudí's
work everywhere and giving much of Barcelona its character.
Mr. Gaudí, gave rise to the term similar to his name for something overdone or out of whack. Antonio Gaudí died
three years before Niki de Saint Phalle was born but he would be proud of her fine sculptures, inspired and better than much of what he ever did. Niki de Saint Phalle seems to have taken
the best from Barcelona and mixed it with some of the creations
of Fernando Botero (born April 19, 1932 in Columbia). Barcelona
has some wonderful fun like parks built by Antonio Gaudí and that spirit of fun and joy must have placed a seed into the mind of the young Niki de Saint Phalle. Her creations of sculpture, on display at the Garfield Park Conservatory are well worth
your time for the entire family. There are some 30 works of
art inside and outside. I would come on a good weather day
and bring a camera for shots you will cherish for years to
come.
Have a look some photos:
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos
Three Year Old Sophia from Oak Park enjoys this wonderful
chair sculpture from the beautiful and fun collection of art
at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos
Biography on Niki de Saint Phalle
Garfield Park Conservatory Information on the Niki Show
Niki de Saint Phalle Exhibit at Garfield
Park Conservatory2007--Until Oct. Streaming Video
Press Release
Extraordinary sculptures of World Renowned Artist Niki de Saint Phalle
See the spectacular exhibition, Niki in the Garden, featuring more than 30 colossal sculptures at the Garfield Park Conservatory
and on its grounds from May 4 – October 31,
9 am – 5 pm daily; Thursdays till 8 pm. Go to the Niki in the Garden website for information on planning your visit and things to do.
The brilliantly colored sculptures by the world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle include enormous animals, mythical figures, totems, sports heroes and Nanas – oversized, powerful women celebrating life. Covered with ceramic mosaics, semi-precious stones, mirrors and glass, many invite sitting, climbing or crawling through their secret passages and interiors. Both art lovers and the entire family will be amazed by these monumental works of art, with some reaching as high as 18 feet and as long as 25 feet. Suggested donation $5.00 per adult. Children can visit for free!
Niki in the Garden is the centerpiece event of Art of Play, over 150 events celebrating toys, games and the spirit of play for families and the kid in all of us. From June 1 – September 30, make Chicago your playground by joining in an array of games and enjoying competitions, play-inspired demonstrations, performances and exhibitions at unexpected venues around town. Play a featured game of the week and learn about Chicago’s history of toy and game manufacturing at the Art of Play headquarters, 72 East Randolph Street, as Chicago raises summertime fun to an art.
About the Artist
Niki de Saint Phalle was born in 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and raised in New York City. A passionately imaginative and self-taught artist, de Saint Phalle was extremely prolific, creating a stunning repertoire of work that includes sculptures, paintings and illustrations.
The artist boldly personified her idea of feminine empowerment in her colorful Nanas, which is French for "babes" or "chicks". Their frenetic dancing, outrageous shapes and shades have appeared in museums, advertisements and outdoor sculptural exhibits around the world.
Biography on Niki de Saint Phalle
Garfield Park Conservatory Information on the Niki Show
Niki de Saint Phalle Exhibit at Garfield
Park Conservatory2007--Until Oct. Must See.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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