The Travelling Companion (1977)
By Niki de Saint Phalle
This week, we celebrate the visionary French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle by presenting her video piece, The Travelling Companion. Originally thought to be lost, the film was recently rediscovered in The Centre Pompidou archives. Our screening coincides with a trio of Saint Phalle showcases: Anthology Film Archives’ series “Niki de Saint Phalle On Screen,” streaming online through September 7; “Niki de Saint Phalle: Structures for Life”—which features the sculptures used in The Travelling Companion’s set—open at MoMA PS1 through September 6; and “Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s,” opening September 10 at the Menil Collection in Houston, TX. Described by the New York Times as “at once avant-garde and populist,” Saint Phalle was self-taught and fiercely experimental across paintings, sculptures, public works, and more. Her playful shapes and lively color palettes were influenced by Dada and Antoni Gaudí, but she blended her inspirations into a singular style, politically engaged but not esoteric. This is perhaps best exemplified by her ongoing series of “Nanas,” boldly scaled tributes to everyday women as joyful as Matisse figures. Saint Phalle’s talents translate seamles…
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