Art or Pornography?

Niki de Saint Phalle, a sculptor best known for her brightly colored and voluptuous figures of women that gained her a reputation as a leading French contemporary artist, died Tuesday in San Diego, Calif., following a long illness, according to a statement issued by the city of Hanover, Germany, where the artist was an honorary citizen.

She had dedicated hundreds of her works to the western German city, which planned a memorial service next week. Her art, often gay and humorous, also graces her native country, France.

French Culture Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon expressed sadness at losing what he called "one of the greatest French contemporary artists." In nearly 40 years of creating, de Saint Phalle used form and color to depict "femininity, exuberance, joyous provocation ... fantasy and humor," said Aillagon. "The art of Niki de Saint Phalle was life itself."

"Not only did she impose herself as a woman, but she imposed an extremely feminine sculpture, which is the demonstration of a conquering, affirmative woman," said Alfred Pacquement, director general of the National Museum of Modern Art at the Pompidou Center.


5/24/2002:
	Niki de Saint Phalle, a sculptor best known for her brightly colored and voluptuous figures of women that gained her a reputation as a leading French contemporary artist, died Tuesday in San Diego, Calif., following a long illness, according to a statement issued by the city of Hanover, Germany, where the artist was an honorary citizen. She had dedicated hundreds of her works to the western German city, which planned a memorial service next week. Her art, often gay and humorous, also graces her native country, France. French Culture Minister Jean-Jacques Aillagon expressed sadness at losing what he called "one of the greatest French contemporary artists." In nearly 40 years of creating, de Saint Phalle used form and color to depict "femininity, exuberance, joyous provocation ... fantasy and humor," said Aillagon. "The art of Niki de Saint Phalle was life itself." "Not only did she impose herself as a woman, but she imposed an extremely feminine sculpture, which is the demonstration of a conquering, affirmative woman," said Alfred Pacquement, director general of the National Museum of Modern Art at the Pompidou Center.