Niki de Saint Phalle was born in France in 1930 and spent her childhood in the United States. In her youth, she also worked as a model, gracing the covers of magazines such as LIFE and VOGUE. Her name became widely known in 1961 with the release of her "shooting paintings." These works, which combine elements of both painting and sculpture, are still highly regarded today as pioneering examples of performance art, where the artwork is completed by firing a gun at it.

A retrospective featuring Niki's major works is now being held in Japan. While incorporating elements from the highly acclaimed retrospectives held in Paris last autumn and Spain this spring, the exhibition also highlights Niki's connection with Japan. The venue showcases over 150 works, the largest collection ever assembled in Japan, including her iconic female figures and her late masterpiece, 'Buddha'.

Particularly noteworthy is Niki's connection with Japan. The exhibition features precious works from the collection of the late Shizue "Yoko" Masuda, a collector captivated by Niki's art,
who maintained a relationship with Niki for over 20 years. It also sheds light on the significant influence that Japan, and Yoko in particular, had on Niki's work.