Niki de Saint Phalle was a French-American artist who became famous for her colorful and whimsical sculptures, paintings, and installations. She was one of the few women artists who gained international recognition in the male-dominated art world of the mid-twentieth century. Niki de Saint Phalle was born in France in 1930 and died in California in 2002.
Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures are often large-scale and brightly colored, featuring playful shapes and forms. Her style has been described as “outsider art” and “naive art,” as it often draws on popular and folk art traditions.
Niki de Saint Phalle and Antoni Gaudí similarities
When I saw Niki de Saint Phalle’s Nikigator first time I instantly got a picture of Gaudi’s lizard from park Guel in my head. Later on I read a bit more about Niki de Saint Phalle and found that she was a big admirer of Gaudi’s war but not his student or follower. Niki de Saint Phalle and Antoni Gaudí share some similarities in their artistic style and approach, particularly in their use of color, organic forms, and unconventional materials.
Both artists were known for their distinctive styles that often combined elements of art and architecture. Gaudí was heavily influenced by the natural world and used organic forms, such as curves and waves, in his designs. Niki de Saint Phalle similarly drew inspiration from nature and often incorporated bright, bold colors and organic shapes in her sculptures.
Gaudí mostly used ceramics, glass, and iron in his early years in his architecture, while Niki de Saint Phalle often used mosaic tiles, mirrors, and other found objects in her sculptures. Also, Gaudi often utilized broken tiles in his work.
Despite these similarities, there are also significant differences between their works. Gaudí was known for his elaborate and ornate architecture, while Niki de Saint Phalle focused more on sculpture and public art.
Where to find Niki de Saint Phalle’s work in San Diego?
Disclaimer: Below are the current locations of sculptures, however Niki de Saint Phalle’s foundation moves sculptures around the world, so the locations below might not be accurate in the future.
“Queen Califia’s Magical Circle”, 2003
Location: Kit Carson Park, Escondido
Note: Check hours of operation here
The sculpture garden consists of several large-scale sculptures arranged in a circular pattern, along with a maze of walls and paths that wind their way through the space. The sculptures are made of a variety of materials, including tile, stone, and mosaic glass, and are adorned with colorful designs and intricate patterns.
The centerpiece of the garden is a tall sculpture of Queen Califia, a mythical Black Amazon queen who is said to have ruled over the land of California in a popular 16th-century Spanish novel. The sculpture depicts the queen seated on a throne, holding a staff and surrounded by a variety of animals and mythical creatures. The other sculptures in the garden include a series of totems, a large snake, and a variety of other creatures and figures.
The garden was created in collaboration with local artists and volunteers and was intended to be a space for visitors to explore and interact with art and nature. The garden is free and open to the public, and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
“Queen Califia’s Magical Circle” was completed in 2003, almost a year after the artist’s death in 2002.
“Sun God”, 1983
Location: entrance of the San Diego State University campus
The sculpture is made up of a series of interlocking shapes and forms, which create a complex and dynamic composition. The forms are primarily made of steel, and are covered in a colorful mosaic of glass and ceramic tiles. The tiles are arranged in a variety of patterns and designs, including zigzagging lines, concentric circles, and intricate geometric shapes. The colors used in the mosaic range from bold primary hues like red, blue, and yellow, to more subtle shades of green, orange, and purple.
“The Poet and His Muse”, 1984
Location: Balboa Park, back door of Mingei International Museum
It is a male figure with a female figure perched on his shoulder, and the figures are depicted in the artist’s signature colorful, playful style. The sculpture is made of painted fiberglass and stands at approximately 5 feet tall.
The sculpture is part of the permanent collection of the Mingei International Museum, which is located in Balboa Park. The Mingei Museum is dedicated to the study and appreciation of folk art, craft, and design from around the world. “The Poet and His Muse” is one of several works by Niki de Saint Phalle that can be found in the museum’s collection.
“Nikigator”, 2001
Location: in front of Mingei International Museum
It is a large, whimsical representation of an alligator, made of brightly colored mosaic tiles and glass.
“Coming Together”, 1983
Location: San Diego Convention Center
This sculpture was commissioned by the City of San Diego in honor of the 1984 Democratic National Convention. It features two larger-than-life figures, a man and a woman, who are depicted in bright, bold colors and intertwined in an embrace. The figures are meant to symbolize the unity and harmony of the human race.
The sculpture is made of painted polyester resin and stands at 15 feet tall and 25 feet wide. It is situated on a large concrete base that includes a shallow pool of water, which reflects the vibrant colors of the figures and adds to the overall impact of the artwork.
“Coming Together” is one of several large-scale sculptures created by Niki de Saint Phalle during her career, which was known for its colorful, whimsical, and sometimes controversial works. The sculpture has become a popular landmark in San Diego and is admired by locals and visitors alike for its bold, joyful expression of unity and togetherness.
“Serpent Tree”, 1992
Location: San Diego Waterfront park
The sculpture consists of a large tree trunk made of steel, which is covered in a colorful mosaic of glass and ceramic tiles. The tiles are arranged in a series of patterns and designs, including swirling lines, bold geometric shapes, and intricate floral motifs. The colors used in the mosaic range from vibrant primary hues to more subdued shades of green, blue, and purple.
Emerging from the top of the tree trunk are a series of serpents, which wind and coil their way around the branches and leaves of the tree. The serpents are also covered in the same mosaic of tiles as the tree trunk, creating a seamless transition between the different elements of the sculpture.
Niki de Saint Phalle is one my favorite artists, and it makes me happy to know that she spend almost 20 years of her life in San Diego. So, here you have it, the locations of Niki de Saint Phalle works in San Diego, California.
