Niki de Saint Phalle and the Tarot Garden by Jill Johnston, Marella Caracciolo Chia and Giulio Petromarchi, hardback published by Benteli. ISBN 978-3-7165-1537-2, price 49.80 Euros from www.benteli.ch
The uncompleted Tarot Garden in Italy, work of the sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle has great charm and idiosyncrasy. Inspired by Gaudi’s Parc Guell in Barelona, Niki set out to create a unique world based on the Tarot. She stamped her own personality on using mosaics in sculpture. This monograph was planned by the artist before her untimely death. The photographs were chosen by her and it gives an insight into her world, her imagination and her creative processes. I find Niki one of the most inspiring of all artists whatever she turned her hand to, and this garden stands as an ever-lasting monument to her work. The book does her justice – a beautiful large format tome that is more than just a coffee table book. The photography is very good with brilliant colour reproduction. The accompanying text is not over-long but apt and to the point. A masterpiece on a woman who created so many masterpieces.