Lithograph, 1995

Edition : 174/250

Publisher : La Différence (Paris)

65.00 cm. x 105.00 cm. | 25.59 in. x 41.34 in. (paper)

Niki de Saint-Phalle (1930-2002), French-American, was one of the most inspired and innovative self-taught artists of the 20th century. Born into a upper-class family, she quickly rebelled to escape an overly conservative environment and especially an incestuous father. For her, creating is a absolute and inner necessity. Sculptor, visual artist, member of the New Realists group, she created her first Nanas, monumental, joyful and blossoming female figures, radically renewing the representation of the woman.
In this large lithograph titled Wicked Wicked Niki de Saint-Phalle refers to a children's book she illustrated two years earlier in 1993. A monster steals the children's toys, but the ending is happy and friendship triumphs. The monster seems not so monstrous, it holds balloons for the children who are climbing on it. The colors are joyful, as often in the pictorial world of the artist.
Niki de Saint-Phalle, through her art tamed her fears. Here, she seems to propose the same thing to the viewer; to tame the monster, to change the course of things, to be in resilience, a notion that was very important to the artist. A work that is also a beautiful tribute to children.

Certificate of authenticity
Very good condition
Handsigned by the artist in pencil

Ref : LCD4864