Museum Beelden aan Zee, Den Haag
October 5, 2019 – March 1, 2020
To celebrate its 25th birthday Museum Beelden aan Zee, is hosting a retrospective of the internationally
acclaimed Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002).
Niki de Saint Phalle is mostly known for her Nanas which will be prominently featured in the exhibition. These colorful, exuberant female figures radiate joy and vitality, capturing the hearts of many. The Nanas, depicted on posters and towels, featured in exhibitions, and standing boldly in public spaces, sparked considerable controversy in the art world of the mid-1960s due to their unmistakable polyester forms. Despite this, they have remained beloved by the public, embodying the concept of “Nana power”—a testament to strong women who demand respect. The exhibition celebrates femininity and showcases these iconic figures.
Nanas are timeless, representing Niki de Saint Phalle’s personal vision of Eve, Venus, and women from all eras. These sculptures convey a message of self-awareness and independence, resonating with contemporary discussions on gender equality and the #MeToo movement. The Beelden aan Zee museum’s choice to feature the Nanas aligns with its collection’s origins and location. Established in 1994 with the sculpture collection of the Scholten-Miltenburg couple, the museum, designed by architect Wim Quist, lays emphasis on the depiction of human figures and therefore this exhibition is perfectly in line with the collection’s initial conception.
The exhibition at Beelden aan Zee will display the evolution of the Nanas from 1965 onwards, showcasing pieces from prestigious international collections like the Sprengel Museum in Hannover and the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain in Nice. It will feature early textile-covered papier-mâché figures and later large polyester sculptures, highlighting the Nanas’ diversity in form, color, and material. Additionally, the exhibition will include Nanas in applied arts—such as chairs, benches, and fountains—and on paper, including sketches, lithographs, and posters.
