Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten (English Edition)

Catalogue of the exhibition Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten, presented at the Grand Palais, Paris (20 June 2025 – 4 January 2026).

The catalogue explores the highlights of the careers of Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002) and Jean Tinguely (1925–1991). An exceptional couple, united not only by their romantic relationship but also by unbreakable artistic ties that enriched each other's work. They enjoyed significant visibility thanks to the impetus given by Pontus Hulten (1924-2006), the first director of the National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pompidou.

Hulten, inspired by Rimbaud's idea of ‘changing life’ and driven by a radical and innovative approach to museums, offered unconditional support to the artist couple. He shared their anarchist views in favour of art for all, multidisciplinary and participatory, which challenged conventions and pushed boundaries.

Beyond celebrating two major artists of the 20th century, driven by the vision of an exceptional museum curator, this presentation questions their thinking, according to which the demand for artistic autonomy, the questioning of institutions and direct engagement with the public become the driving forces behind creation.