Niki de Saint Phalle's biography reads like a bestselling novel: a difficult education, early fame as a fashion model, and family rebellion. Her earliest works, known as shooting paintings, were executed with a rifle and paint-filled bullets. She went on to explore women's identities through papiermache figures. As her reputation grew, so did her works. Her larger than-life Nanas could be entered and viewed from within. She created sculpture parks in Israel, Italy, and California, among other places. This book introduces readers to Niki de Saint Phalle in chapters that include reproductions of her pieces, photographs from her life, and historical background that gives insight into her life and work. As lively as the life it reveals, this volume is a superb look into the world of an intriguing and courageous artist. AUTHOR: Christiane Weidemann is an art historian and the author of several books, including 50 Women Artists You Should Know (Prestel). She lives in Berlin, Germany. 100 illustrations
