“From Shooting to Freedom” at MOMus–Alex Mylonas Museum: The first exhibition in Greece dedicated to Niki de Saint Phalle

The first exhibition in Greece dedicated to Niki de Saint Phalle (Neuilly-sur-Seine, 1930 – California, 2002), titled “From Shooting to Freedom,” is presented at the MOMus–Alex Mylonas Museum from December 12.

Niki de Saint Phalle was one of the most emblematic and free-spirited artists of the 20th century—an artist who transformed anger, pain, and rage into explosions of color, into a constant celebration of life, imagination, and rebirth. She crossed the boundaries of artistic expression, a fierce woman who found redemption through art and offered some of the boldest artistic gestures of her time. With work that is at once dark and joyful, complex, contradictory, playful, free, creative, seemingly “innocent” and yet “dangerous,” she challenged institutions and patriarchy. From her “Tirs” shooting-performances to her multicolored “Nanas,” and through paintings, collages, books, and sculptures, the world of Niki de Saint Phalle unfolds in the exhibition like a children’s game—full of immediacy and the exuberance that art allows to find expressive pathways.

Starting from the works belonging to the collection of MOMus–Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki-thanks to the donation of collector and art dealer Alexander Iolas and the artist herself-the exhibition attempts to reframe her artistic universe and highlight its parallel facets. The two shared a relationship of trust, artistic faith, and a common search for freedom. With Iolas’ support, Saint Phalle’s work became known to international audiences and was established as one of the most recognizable artistic voices of the 20th century.

Niki de Saint Phalle’s work remains strikingly relevant in light of today’s social movements—at a time that once again denounces abuse and reclaims freedom and equality for women (and not only women), amid a renewed global interest in her oeuvre.

The exhibition is accompanied by public guided tours, activities, and educational programs for all levels.

Curator: Thouli Misirloglou, Artistic Director, MOMus–Museum of Contemporary Art