Whilst the composition showcases distinct references to the history of painting, Party reinvigorates traditional artistic subjects with his signature aesthetic that slips between the nostalgic and futuristic and is immediately recognisable. Building on this are his motifs that too, are universal in their visual language, such as the pear that symbolises immortality and prosperity in ancient Chinese culture, grace and nobility in Korea, abundance in Greek and Roman mythology, and Christ’s love in Renaissance religious paintings. Bathed in a warm, inviting luminosity that immerses the viewer, there is a timelessness to Still Life that encourages a closer look at the evolution of representation, perfectly exemplifying Party’s idiosyncratic vision.
“I don’t have much interest in what could be labelled as ‘reality’. I’m more interested in the signs, symbols and codes we’ve created for reality.”
— Nicolas Party
Party is considered as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed artists working today. He has been honoured with numerous solo exhibitions in the past decade in key international venues, including that of Hauser & Wirth, Los Angeles (2020); The FLAG Art Foundation, New York (2019); The Modern Institute, Glasgow (2019, 2018, 2016, 2013); M WOODS, Beijing (2018); and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. (2017); amongst many others.
Switzerland’s MASI Lugano is currently presenting Party’s first extensive retrospective. Titled Nicolas Party – Rovine , the major exhibition opened on 27 June 2021, and will run until 9 January 2022. In Dijon, France, the Consortium Museum is also hosting a solo show of Party’s work, Nicolas Party. Boilly, which commenced on 7 July 2021 and will close on 9 January 2022. Additionally, a solo exhibition titled Nicolas Party | Stage Fright opened at the Kestner Gesellschaft in Hannover on 12 September 2021 and will run until 9 January 2022.
Party’s work is represented in over 30 public collections worldwide, including K11 Art Foundation, Hong Kong; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; Long Museum, Shanghai; Fondazione Fiera Milano, Milan; M WOODS, Beijing; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris; and the Rubell Family Collection, Miami.