Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely Celebrated in First UK Exhibition
Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely’s visionary collaboration takes centre stage in their first UK exhibition at Hauser and Wirth Somerset.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset will host a major exhibition celebrating the dynamic creative partnership of Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely.
Opening on 17 May 2025, Myths and Machines marks the first UK exhibition dedicated to both artists and will run until February 2026.
Saint Phalle and Tinguely, pioneers of contemporary art, forged an extraordinary bond through three decades of collaboration. Their rebellious spirit will be brought to life across Hauser & Wirth's expansive Somerset site.
Visitors can expect a striking array of Saint Phalle’s iconic Shooting Paintings, vibrant Nanas sculptures, and art décor pieces, alongside Tinguely’s celebrated kinetic machines made from found materials.
The exhibition spans several galleries, each exploring different facets of their careers, from early experimental works to ambitious large-scale sculptures.
Highlights include the towering Big Lady (black) and collaborative pieces such as La Grande Tête, a fusion of Tinguely’s mechanical ingenuity and Saint Phalle’s symbolic imagery.
The Education Lab, developed with local schools, will explore creativity as a therapeutic tool, reflecting Saint Phalle’s personal journey.
The show coincides with the centenary of Tinguely’s birth, marking a fitting tribute to two visionaries whose impact on the art world remains profound.
