Think of Niki de Saint Phalle, and the words “colorful” and “free-spirited” may come to mind. Yet the artist’s life was not all daisies and rainbows. Saint Phalle referred to her childhood as enfer, French for “hell.” At age 11 her father began molesting her. And there were disruptions in her education. At first, Saint Phalle’s work was characterized as “outsider” art, its childlike quality not taken seriously. Before the whimsical Nana sculptures, she’d gained attention for violent assemblages called Tirs—the final touch on these pieces was a barrage of bullets. All Saint Phalle’s works harbor undercurrents—social and political comment, yes, but also a cry for female and male equality. This exhibition focuses on the darker side of Saint Phalle. Approximately 100 assemblages, action-art pieces, Nanas, and large late sculptures are in the show. —Elena Clavarino