In a year of significant anniversaries, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an encore exhibition of artist Niki de Saint Phalle’s monumental sculptures, originally debuted at the Garden 20 years ago this spring.
Niki de Saint Phalle, the renowned French sculptor who passed away in 2002, was one of the pioneering female sculptors known for her large-scale works, particularly her whimsical and colorful “Nanas” – sculptures depicting females, animals, and monsters.
The exhibition, scheduled from May 9 to September 6, will feature 41 works, marking what is believed to be the largest showing of the artist’s art ever presented in North America. Most pieces will be on loan from the Niki Charitable Art Foundation, alongside others from private collections.
According to Garden President & CEO Mary Pat Matheson, “Those who saw the 2006 exhibit are going to relish experiencing these fun, joyful sculptures again, and those who didn’t are in for a major treat!”
The vibrant and playful sculptures include the Grand Step Totem, weighing 2,000 pounds, and the Large Yelling Man, standing at 16.5 feet tall, as well as smaller wall hangings of reliefs measuring 2 feet square.
The exhibition’s most iconic piece, The Three Graces, will be displayed frolicking in the Skyline Garden pond, along with all other sculptures throughout the Garden, the Conservatory, Orchid Center, and Gardenhouse Gallery.
Additionally, an interpretive exhibit featuring information about the artist and her work will be showcased near the entrance to the Orchid Display House.
