The Motion-Enabled Paradise Sculpture Group by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean

The Motion-Enabled Paradise Sculpture Group by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean

Discover the dynamic 'Le Paradis Fantastique' sculpture group by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, originally created for the 1967 World Expo in Montreal and now repositioned at Stockholm's Moderna Museet due to public pressure.

Le Paradis fantastique, a creation by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, was originally unveiled at the 1967 World Expo in Montreal. The artists donated the impressive sculpture group to Moderna Museet in Stockholm in 1971, where it initially stood further down on Skeppsholmsbron. Partly due to the efforts of the activist group 'Flytta Paradiset', which formed in 1986, the sculpture was relocated to its current location just a few hundred meters closer to the museum's main entrance. The sculpture group remained in its original location until 1986, when it was moved due to public pressure led by 'Flytta Paradiset'.

Le Paradis consists of 16 components. Nine of these pieces are reinforced polyester figures created by Niki de Saint Phalle, and seven are kinetic iron sculptures designed by Jean Tinguely. During the summer season, the figures within the sculpture group are set in motion, and water sprays and trickles throughout the artwork. Today, Le Paradis remains a vibrant and intriguing landmark at Moderna Museet in Stockholm.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nik Frost

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