Join us to celebrate the opening of our exhibition, ‘Niki de Saint Phalle & Jean Tinguely. Myths & Machines,’ at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. 

In collaboration with the Niki Charitable Art Foundation, this major site-wide takeover will be the first UK exhibition dedicated to Niki de Saint Phalle (1930 – 2002) and Jean Tinguely (1925 – 1991). Two emblematic figures of contemporary art, the works on view will illustrate Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely’s visionary artistic output and enduring creative collaboration over three decades.

The Education Lab: ‘Our Imaginary World,’ will feature a mural created by pupils from Bruton Primary School, Ditcheat Primary School and Upton Noble C of E Primary School, in response to the exhibition.

The gallery and Education Lab will be open from 12 – 5 pm, with live music and complimentary drinks being served until 3 pm. Food can be purchased in the farmyard from 12 – 3 pm.

Tickets are free, but we ask that you register in advance so we can understand visitor numbers. If you are able, we encourage donations to our 2024 – 2025 charity partner Good Company Bruton.

There will be limited parking on site, so we advise visitors to walk or use public transport, where possible.

About ‘Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. Myths & Machines’
Two emblematic figures of contemporary art, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely defied conventional artmaking and were fuelled with rebellion, in both life and art. On view across all the galleries, the exhibition will feature unseen works on paper and art decor by Saint Phalle, alongside shooting paintings and monumental open-air sculptures. Iconic kinetic machines by Tinguely range from the 1950s to the final year of his life, in addition to multifaceted collaborative works made by the duo throughout the 1980s. The exhibition takes place as part of Jean Tinguely’s centenary celebrations.

About Education Lab: ‘Our Imaginary World’
The Education Lab will take its starting point from Niki de Saint Phalle’s early experiences of personal trauma and embody her philosophy that creativity can serve as both a mental antidote and a therapeutic outlet. In partnership with the East Somerset Federation, consisting of Bruton Primary School, Ditcheat Primary School and Upton Noble C of E Primary School, the Education Lab will provide an interactive space realized by young people as an exploration of their emotions, experiences and stories. Participants will be invited to reflect on Saint Phalle’s belief in art as a form of healing, self-reclamation, empowerment and joy.

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Please be advised that photographs will be taken at this event for use on the Hauser & Wirth website, social media and in other marketing materials.