The first full-career U.S. retrospective of French American avant garde artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) opens on April 27 at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

“Saint Phalle is one of the late twentieth century’s  great creative personalities who was ahead of her  time,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO of  the Nelson-Atkins. “This exhibition presents the arc of her career from societal rage to communal joy and celebration.” Saint Phalle’s magic is the multiplicity of her work  and her ability to discuss serious issues in an easily  accessible way. “This exhibition traces the chronology of Saint  Phalle’s career, from her assemblages to works  addressing social justice issues,” said William Keyse Rudolph, Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs and Chief Curator and Head, Architecture, Design and  Decorative Arts. “Her bold forms, bright colors, and  whimsical imagery catch the eye while simultaneously tackling social issues such as feminism, racism, and  HIV/AIDS stigma.”

William Keyse Rudolph is co-curating the exhibition with Hélène Guenin, Director of MAMAC, and Olivier Bergesi, Project Manager, MAMAC.