Ballet 1966 (from Roland Petit's ballet "In praise of Folly") Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002) has become a famous figure of French 20th century art, especially thanks to her large blown-up sculptures of brightly coloured women- her "Nanas" (French slang for Women), by which she explodes the canons of female beauty and brings a smile to your face. A big exhibition is programmed at the Grand Palais in Paris later this year. For the moment, there is a highly colourful summer show down in Aix-en-Provence, at the elegant Hôtel Caumont museum. 70 works are on display, including some rarely seen. The theme is Niki's magic bestiary: poster for the Aix Exhibition Animals are important throughout Niki's work and have symbolic meaning. Birds, according to the commissaire of the Aix exhibition- Lucia Pesapane- are a metaphor for the artist's spiritual quest and also represent goodness...