Who Is Niki de Saint Phalle? Age, Biography and Wiki
Niki de Saint Phalle was born on October 29, 1930, and sadly passed away on May 21, 2002. However, her legacy endures, and her innovative spirit continues to inspire new generations of artists. Renowned for her vibrant and eclectic works, Niki was not just a plastician but also an influential painter and sculptor, celebrated for her monumental sculptures and her role in the avant-garde art movement. Niki's works often address themes of feminism and societal norms, making her a significant figure in both art and culture.
Occupation | Autobiographer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 29, 1930 |
Age | 71 Years |
Birth Place | Neuilly-sur-Seine, France |
Horoscope | Scorpio |
Country | France |
Date of death | 21 May, 2002 |
Died Place | La Jolla, California, US |
Popularity
Niki de Saint Phalle's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a prominent figure in the art world, Niki de Saint Phalle’s physical stats were part of her unique persona. Throughout her lifetime, her height was approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), and weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg). Although precise body measurements are less documented, what stands out is her bold style and vivid use of color, which characterized her works.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Niki de Saint Phalle was known for her passionate relationships. She was married to artist Jean Tinguely, who shared her love for creativity and art. Their relationship was marked by mutual artistic support, and they collaborated on several projects. Niki was also known to have had other significant relationships that greatly influenced her life and art, reflecting her dynamic and experimental nature in both love and work.
Throughout her creative career, she collaborated with other well-known artists such as Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers, composer John Cage, and architect Mario Botta, as well as dozens of less-known artists and craftspersons.
For several decades, she worked especially closely with Swiss kinetic artist Jean Tinguely, who also became her second husband.
In her later years, she suffered from multiple chronic health problems attributed to repeated exposure to airborne glass fibers and petrochemical fumes from the experimental materials she had used in her pioneering artworks, but she continued to create prolifically until the end of her life.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Niki de Saint Phalle's estate has seen a substantial increase in value due to the resurgence of interest in her work. At the time of her passing, her net worth was estimated to be in the millions; current estimates suggest that her artworks have appreciated significantly. Contemporary pieces have sold for millions at auction, securing Niki’s status as one of the most influential artists, with her estate valued at approximately $30 million.
Career, Business and Investments
Niki de Saint Phalle's career is one that showcases her versatility and creativity. She began her artistic journey in the 1950s, gaining recognition for her sculptures and painting. Her most famous work, the "Nanas," is a series of larger-than-life sculptures of voluptuous women that challenge gender stereotypes. Beyond public art installations, she was involved in various exhibitions and had a profound impact on the feminist art movement. Niki also embraced business ventures, including collaborations with designers and her work in film. Her legacy continues to flourish as her art remains relevant in contemporary discussions around identity and empowerment.
As founder of the Nouveau réalisme ("New Realist") movement, Restany asked Saint Phalle to join this group of French artists upon seeing her performance; she would become the only female member of this group.
Social Network
Although Niki de Saint Phalle passed away in 2002, her influence persists on social media platforms dedicated to her work and legacy. Various art institutions and fans maintain active accounts that showcase her art, life, and influence. Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter are some of the platforms where her vibrant creations are celebrated. Moreover, art lovers can explore her artworks and exhibitions through various online galleries, connecting with a new audience.
"At one point, Gloria Steinem spotted Saint Phalle walking down Fifty-seventh Street, purseless and in a cowboy getup. In an interview quoted by the show’s curator, Ruba Katrib, in the catalogue, Steinem recalled thinking, 'That is the first free woman I have ever seen in real life. I want to be just like her.'"
Education
Niki de Saint Phalle's educational journey began with traditional schooling, followed by studies at the Académie Julian in Paris. Her early career was influenced by her experiences as a model and her exposure to the art world, which shaped her distinctive style. Niki's commitment to self-expression and creativity led her to experiment with different forms of artistry, making her education a continuous journey rather than a mere phase of her life.
She had a difficult and traumatic childhood and a much-disrupted education, which she wrote about many decades later. After an early marriage and two children, she began creating art in a naïve, experimental style. She first received worldwide attention for angry, violent assemblages which had been shot by firearms.
These evolved into Nanas, light-hearted, whimsical, colorful, large-scale sculptures of animals, monsters, and female figures. Her most comprehensive work was the Tarot Garden, a large sculpture garden containing numerous works ranging up to house-sized creations.