and Kiki Smith of course!

Even while I was writing about Louise Bourgeois and Annette Messager and how they were some of the most compelling artists working now for me I realised I wanted to add Kiki Smith too of course.
So above I show some of her work and how she looks.
Her work like the other two HAS to be seen in person.
I just want to inspire you to go and search it out.

More Messager

The Secret Room

The Messengers

Casino


Annette Messager

At the Hayward Gallery in London from March until May 2009 there is an extraordinary retrospective exhibition called The Messengers by Annette Messager.
I have been interested in her work for the past 30 years since I first met her in Paris. She is a gentle, bright woman with a humbleness which when you see her work almost surprises you. The work is so powerful, going into the darkest places with humour and exploring any materials regardless of any fashion of the time.
For me Louise Bourgeois and Annette Messager are two of the most gripping artists working today. They pull me in each time into a world created by them but taking off to become almost anything. The work works. I still have the exhibition whirling around inside.
Casino was first shown at the Venice Biennale in 2005 when Annette Messager represented France. We sat for a long long time with Casino. I recommend having time when you go to the show. It defies words. Casino is experience.