Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Niki de Saint Phalle’s Gorgo in New York (1962) was inspired by the science fiction film Gorgo (1961), in which a gigantic sea lizard—named for the Gorgon Medusa—invades London. Created while the artist was staying at New York’s Chelsea Hotel, Saint Phalle transposed the monster to the Manhattan of her youth, suggested through the plaster-and-chicken wire skyscrapers.

In celebration of Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s we invite you to enjoy an evening of music and film as we screen Gorgo (1961), an inspiration behind Saint Phalle’s depictions of prehistoric beasts.

4-5 PM - Meet SDPL Youth Librarian Ms. Katia and a Gallery Educator for a tour. First come, first served. Max capacity 50. Meet at the front entrance

5-6 PM - Monster-inspired artmaking workshop. First come, first served. Max capacity 50. Meet at the Conrad Prebys Education Center.

6-7 PM - Public Tour from MCASD Gallery Educator. First come, first served. Max capacity 50. Meet at the front entrance

6-6:30 PM - Join percussionists Dalia Berman and Gloria Yehilevsky in a survey of instruments and influences. This performance will include an originally composed duet, improvisations, and classical music. Performance at Axline Court.

6:30-8 PM - Gorgo (1961): Science fiction monster film. First come, first served. Max capacity 110. Screening at Jacobs Hall.

All visitors must reserve in advance a timed-entry online ticket. If you have any questions regarding tickets and making a reservation or cancellation, please email info@mcasd.org or call (858) 454-3541. Staff will be available to assist you from 10 AM - 4 PM, Thursday through Sunday.

Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s is co-curated and co-organized by Jill Dawsey, Senior Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and Michelle White, Senior Curator, the Menil Collection.

Lead support and major funding is made possible through the generous support of La Prairie Switzerland. Support for this exhibition at both the Menil Collection and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is provided by Christie’s. Institutional support of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. Research for this exhibition was supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Major funding for this exhibition at the Menil Collection is provided by Cecily E. Horton; a gift in memory of Virginia P. Rorschach; Bettie Cartwright; and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support comes from the Dragonfly Collection, Garance Primat; MaryRoss Taylor; Julie and John Cogan, Jr.; Robin and Andrew Schirrmeister; MCT Fund; Niki Charitable Art Foundation; UBS Financial Services and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.