Friends of International
Center Program to Cover Work of
Sun God Artist Niki de Saint Phalle

October 7, 2009

By Pat JaCoby

Niki de Saint Phalle’s Sun God

The Friends of the International Center will sponsor an illustrated presentation, “Magnificent Obsession: The Art of Antoni Gaudi and Niki de Saint Phalle,” at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the International Center. The program will benefit the Friends’ scholarship program, which last year contributed $57,000 to UC San Diego students.

de Saint Phalle’s Sun God was the first work of art to be commissioned by the Stuart Collection on the UC San Diego campus, and has been a focal point since its arrival in 1983. The art work inspired the annual Sun God Festival and students at times show their originality by adding to the statue—sun glasses, a shroud, a cap and gown or a nest of hay with eggs.

Mary Beebe, Stuart Collection director, will share her experience working with de Saint Phalle while arranging for installation of the Sun God. Local artist Arline Paa will discuss the influence of the art of Antoni Gaudi on de Saint Phalle’s work.

UC San Diego currently sends more than 1,000 students abroad each year, with the goal of eventually sending 50 percent of undergraduates on international studies.

Proceeds will benefit the Friends’ Scholarship Fund and are tax deductible. For information call 858 453-5787 or bfitzsimmons@ucsd.edu.

Media Contact: Pat JaCoby, 858-534-7404 or pjacoby@ucsd.edu