Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) was a French-American artist celebrated for her bold, colourful sculptures and groundbreaking exploration of femininity, identity and power. A self-taught artist, she emerged within the European avant-garde in the 1960s and became associated with Nouveau Réalisme. Her iconic Nanas—vibrant, monumental female figures—reimagined the female body as a symbol of joy, strength and liberation. Beyond sculpture, Saint Phalle created paintings, films and immersive public artworks, including the renowned Tarot Garden in Tuscany. Her playful yet politically charged practice continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.