Niki de Saint Phalle at the Grand Palais – Photo Series from the 2015 Exhibition in Paris
An explosion of color, form, and free femininity. In 2015, the Grand Palais in Paris hosted a dazzling retrospective of Niki de Saint Phalle’s work. This exhibition, both playful and political, is vividly captured through the lens of Sebastien Desnoulez.
Nanas, Color, and Joyful Subversion
The exhibition offered a spectacular dive into the universe of Niki de Saint Phalle—an artist known for her radical freedom, exuberant colors, and iconic Nanas. These voluptuous, dancing female figures filled the halls, their forms adorned with mosaics, bright patterns, and bold curves.
From the monumental skull shimmering with gold and glass tiles, to the joyful chaos of suspended sculptures, each piece invited visitors to embrace a world where art, feminism, and pop culture collide. Playful and powerful, her art speaks of both liberation and resistance.
Desnoulez’s photographs immerse the viewer in the vibrant scenography. Through precise compositions, he captures the contrast of colors, the interaction between visitors and artworks, and the energy radiating from each gallery room—whether bathed in blue, yellow, or the shine of mirrored surfaces.
Between Provocation and Play
The artist’s journey was also evoked through archive images, portraits, and intimate spaces reconstructed within the exhibition. From the black-and-white era to contemporary installations, the exhibition layout echoed Niki’s own transformation—as a woman, as a creator, and as a public figure.
In each photo, the lens is both discrete and expressive. It shows how art can be inclusive, joyful, political, and deeply personal. A tribute to a singular voice in 20th-century art.
About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a fine art and cultural event photographer. He captures with sensitivity the energy of exhibitions, the textures of artworks, and the visitor experience—merging aesthetics with visual storytelling.
Click on the photos below to view them in full screen.
All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
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