Niki de Saint Phalle
The “Crystal-Bearing Nana” by Niki de Saint Phalle embodies a self-confident, happy woman who raises her arm in a defiant gesture. A brightly shimmering, uncut crystal appears to be growing out of her hand. Originally, the object was a vase before the crystal was situated on top of it. It is not a coincidence that the shape of the Nana and her posture are reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty, as the self-confident and liberated woman is at the center of Niki de Saint Phalle’s work.
She is the model of all of the richly colored female figures, known as “Nanas”, of the famous French artist, who attempted to liberate herself through her work from the trauma of the abuse she experienced from her father. Like Yves Klein, Niki de Saint Phalle was a member of the Nouveau Réalisme movement.
Welcome to the first Chamber of Wonder!
You enter the Giant’s subterranean world via the Blue Hall, the first Chamber of Wonder at Swarovski Kristallwelten. The walls of this cavernous space are painted International Klein Blue, a color developed by artist Yves Klein.
In the Blue Hall, guests get their first glimpse into the fascinating world of crystals and can see masterpieces such as The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí, Niki de Saint Phalle’s Crystal-Bearing Nana, and Gems by Andy Warhol. The focal point in this space is the Centenar, the largest hand-cut crystal in the world with 100 facets.
