Niki de Saint Phalle, one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, was a French-American born
in 1930. She was brought up in a very conservative family, and yet, she rejected the staid, conservative
values of her family to pursue a career in painting __31__ Fortunately, painting offered her an effective
therapy and a way to develop as an artist. Her famous “Nana” series gained universal praise. It is a
testimony to the glory of women. __32__ Some of these sculptures are very big, “so that men would
look small next to them.” Saint Phalle used vivid colors in these works and her female subjects dance
cheerfully and merrily. __33__ Saint Phalle’s sculptural park, “The Tarot Garden,” inspired by Tarot cards, is situated in the Italian
province of Tuscany. __34__ The park contains sculptures of the symbols found on Tarot cards. The
brightly colored combinations of buildings and sculptures reflect the metaphysical qualities represented
by the 22 main tarot cards. The sculptures, however, have nothing to do with fortune telling. __35__ Saint Phalle passed away on May 21, 2002, in San Diego, California, at the age of 71. Her death
meant the loss of a woman of diverse creative talents.
(AB) The series is mostly composed of life-size dolls of women in various roles such as brides and new
mothers.
(AC) Work on the garden began in 1979, and it was officially opened to the public in May 1998.
(AD) Many modern women artists create sculptures that have become iconic pieces of feminist
movement.
(AE) Through these joyful and powerful images of Nana, the artist sends a positive message to all
women.
(BC) Her rebelliousness created a series of conflicts with her family, which led to a nervous breakdown
at age 23.
(BD) Instead, the works focus on the elements of life experience, personality, and self-knowledge
that the cards refer to.
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