Kiki(Alice Prin)

Kiki is an excellent name for a world-renown artist and muse. Much better than Alice Prin, which is what Kiki was named when she was born in Burgundy, France in 1901. Poor and illegitimate, Kiki was raised by her grandmother who encouraged her to steal vegetables from the neighbors gardens so the family could eat. Kiki was sent to Paris for education at age 12. and within 2 years the street-smart girl was modeling for some of the 20th centuries most infulencial artists. She posed for Jean Cocteau, Moise Kisling, Maurice Utrillo (who impressed her by painting her as a country house), Max Ernst and Pablo Gargallo. She inspired paintings drawings, photographs and sculptures, many of which are considered hallmarks of their (and her) era.

A shouting match between Kiki and a waiter who would not serve her because she was hatless brought her to the attention of photographer Man Ray, who was eating in the same café. The two quickly set up house together. Kiki became the model for many of his most famous photos, including Le Violon d'Ingres, where 2 superimposed "f" holes turn Kiki's back into a violin. Man Ray and Kiki lived together for 6 years, during which time Kiki began to draw and paint. Her works, in bold colors and an almost childish style, were executed with both skill and humor. A 1927 exhibition of her works at the Galerie au Sacre du Printemps sold out completely.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Prin