Her Most noted Artwork the Nana-Hon-En Katedral by Niki De St Phalle

Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine on October 29, 1930, Niki De St. Phalle was a French sculptor, painter, and filmmaker, whose fame to glory was "the Nana-Hon-En Katedral." Inspired by her friend Clarice Rivers' pregnancy, Niki created "Nana," an expression of 'everywoman.' straight through "Nana," the artist tried representing and establishing the position of women in the society. Nana is a life size doll made of polyester and papier-mache, braced with a wire structure, signifying female exuberance, strength, confidence, and optimism.

Niki's first "Nana" was exhibited at the Galerie Iolas, Paris, in 1965. The creation received harsh commentary from art circle. "Nana" was described as a wild dancing outline with "aggressive," "satirical," and "feminist" features. Carefully Phalle ignored the critics and went ahead with creating another "Nana" in collaboration with artist Jean Tinguely and Per Olof Ultvedt, in 1966. The result was her most illustrious work, an eighty-two foot large sculpture, "Hon-En Katedral (She-A Cathedral)." The structure was installed at the Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden. The conspicuous highlight of the "Hon-En Katedral - Nana" in its reclining position with thighs spread open, is its entry straight through 'her' vagina that lets the visitors walk through. The premise acquired much attention and severe criticism. A few critics were of the understanding that "Hon-En Katedral" was the "largest whore in the world."

Fountain Pen

During the building of the "Hon-En Katedral," Niki met Swiss artist Rico Weber, who became an important assistant and a collaborator for both, de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. The three continued working as a team and went on to manufacture many more "Nanas," such as "Stravinsky Fountain (1982)," "La fountaine Château-Chinon," "Queen Califia's Magic Circle (Sculpture Garden)," and "Sun God (1983)."

Her Most noted Artwork the Nana-Hon-En Katedral by Niki De St Phalle

Niki once said, "My first exhibition with Nanas was called Nana Power. For me, they were the stamp of a cheerful, liberated woman. Today, after nearly twenty years, I see them differently. I see them as heralds of a new matriarchal era, which I believe is the only answer."

The "Nanas" gathered an exclusive and inevitable credibility, identity, & status to Niki De St. Phalle in the 'Contemporary Art.' It is well- known that only a handful of artists such as Niki have the courage & the capability to continually create striking works, despite harsh response from public. "Nanas" today do evoke inevitable request for retrial and captivate the attention of onlookers.

Niki passed away on May 22, 2002, at the age of 71, because of emphysema, caused due to the years of inhaling toxic polyester fumes.

Her Most noted Artwork the Nana-Hon-En Katedral by Niki De St Phalle