Looking for a cultural experience?

How much do you know about this vibrant French-American artist? Try your luck with this fun quiz! Class begins on Monday, October 13 at 10:00 AM. Don’t miss out – click HERE to register!

SCROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN FOR THE ANSWERS!

1. In which country was Niki de Saint Phalle born?
A) France
B) Italy
C) Spain
D) Belgium

---

2. Niki de Saint Phalle is best known for which type of artwork?
A) Realistic portraits
B) Kinetic sculptures
C) Large-scale, colorful, whimsical sculptures
D) Minimalist black-and-white drawings

---

3. What is the name of her famous series of sculptures depicting women with exaggerated proportions?
A) Nana Series
B) Venus Series
C) Femme Fatale Series
D) Goddess Series

---

4. Niki de Saint Phalle often collaborated with which artist and architect for the Tarot Garden in Italy?
A) Jean Tinguely
B) Pablo Picasso
C) Alexander Calder
D) Yayoi Kusama

---

5. The “Shooting Paintings” (Tirs) series is notable because:
A) She painted using only her hands
B) The paintings were created by shooting bags of paint with a gun
C) They were entirely digital
D) They were black-and-white sketches

---

6. Which theme was central to much of Niki de Saint Phalle’s work?
A) Nature and landscapes
B) Feminism and female empowerment
C) Historical realism
D) Minimalism

---

7. What major public art installation by Niki de Saint Phalle can be found in Paris, featuring whimsical fountains?
A) Fontaine Stravinsky
B) The Eiffel Tower
C) Luxembourg Gardens
D) Palais Garnier

---

8. Niki de Saint Phalle co-founded which artistic group known for experimental, avant-garde approaches?
A) Nouveau Réalisme
B) Impressionists
C) Dadaists
D) Surrealists

---

Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures often incorporated which unusual materials?
A) Glass beads and mirrors
B) Wood only
C) Metal only
D) Paper mache only

---

10. Which statement best describes Niki de Saint Phalle’s approach to art?
A) She strictly followed classical techniques
B) She explored personal trauma, fantasy, and playfulness
C) She focused on monochromatic minimalism
D) She was primarily a performance poet

---

ANSWERS:

1. A) France
   Explanation: Niki de Saint Phalle was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, in 1930.
2. C) Large-scale, colorful, whimsical sculptures
   Explanation: Her art is often bright, playful, and larger-than-life, especially her “Nanas.”
3. A) Nana Series
   Explanation: The “Nanas” celebrate female strength, fertility, and joy.
4. A) Jean Tinguely
   Explanation: Tinguely, her husband and collaborator, helped create mechanical sculptures and kinetic elements.
5. B) The paintings were created by shooting bags of paint with a gun
   Explanation: She literally shot at the canvas, releasing paint—transforming aggression into art.
6. B) Feminism and female empowerment
   Explanation: Many works, including the Nanas, explore women’s roles, power, and freedom.
7. A) Fontaine Stravinsky
   Explanation: This playful fountain, created with Tinguely, celebrates music and movement.
8. A) Nouveau Réalisme
   Explanation: The group sought to bring everyday life and objects into art, challenging conventions.
9. A) Glass beads and mirrors
   Explanation: Many of her works, like the Tarot Garden, include mosaics with mirrors and colored tiles.
10. B) She explored personal trauma, fantasy, and playfulness
    Explanation: Her art often transforms personal experiences and emotions into vibrant, interactive pieces.