Niki de Saint Phalle was born in 1930 and the Nanas, figures reminiscent of ancient fertility symbols but with vibrant colors and extensions which seem incongruous. Why does the Angel Protector (shown below) need an exercise device for muscle-building. (WIKI: Niki de Saint Phalle)
The Angel Protector from Niki de Saint Phalle
The measure of good art is whether it invites interesting questions. Why does the overstated Fertility Woman have such a tiny head? That shows the expectation of society and Fertility Woman laughs?
The figure invites a word which, not surprisingly, I have only just learned, embonpoint (pronounce it ahn-bawn-PWAN), is 'excessively plump' which is presumably one step past Rubens and now she's a fat girl ... but ... the characteristic in a different time, not so long ago in America, was regarded as highly-desirable in circles literate enough to use such a word.
The subject of joie de vivre came up yesterday since my ol' Mother used the term frequently for the joy of life. It's not entirely clear whether the Nanas celebrate the joy of life but it seems so from the vibrancy of the colors while at the same time it asks is she resentful of the strength she may need to deal with the things which come?
Note: the WIKI notes a deep influence from Antoni Gaudí, the architect for the highly-enigmatic cathedral in Barcelona, the Sagrada Família. (Links are to WIKI articles)
The Angel Protector from Niki de Saint Phalle
The measure of good art is whether it invites interesting questions. Why does the overstated Fertility Woman have such a tiny head? That shows the expectation of society and Fertility Woman laughs?
The figure invites a word which, not surprisingly, I have only just learned, embonpoint (pronounce it ahn-bawn-PWAN), is 'excessively plump' which is presumably one step past Rubens and now she's a fat girl ... but ... the characteristic in a different time, not so long ago in America, was regarded as highly-desirable in circles literate enough to use such a word.
The subject of joie de vivre came up yesterday since my ol' Mother used the term frequently for the joy of life. It's not entirely clear whether the Nanas celebrate the joy of life but it seems so from the vibrancy of the colors while at the same time it asks is she resentful of the strength she may need to deal with the things which come?
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