Niki de Saint Phalle was a French-American artist born on October 29, 1930, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. She is best known for her colorful sculptures and large-scale installations, often featuring whimsical, feminine figures. Her work is associated with the Nouveau Réalisme movement, which sought to challenge traditional art forms and incorporate everyday materials. Throughout her career, de Saint Phalle created various public artworks, including the famous Nanas, which are playful, voluptuous female figures. One of her most notable projects is the Tarot Garden in Italy, a vibrant park filled with giant sculptures inspired by tarot cards. She passed away on May 21, 2002, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art.