Pastel

In 2019, Nicolas Party transformed the FLAG Art Foundation in New York into a walk-in celebration of pastel, featuring murals by Rosalba Carriera, Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Louis Fratino, Marsden Hartley, Loie Hollowell, Julian Martin, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Chris Ofili, Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, Billy Sullivan, Wayne Thiebaud, and Robin F. Williams.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Karma

In 2019, Swiss-born artist Nicolas Party breathed new life into the FLAG Art Foundation in New York, transforming it into a vibrant and captivating walk-in celebration of pastel art. This remarkable transformation saw the installation of four stunning soft pastel murals, inspired by the Rococo style, that serve as both a foil to and a backdrop for a diverse collection of pastels spanning from the 18th century to the present. The exhibition, aptly titled "Pastel," pays homage to this extraordinary unified environment, its celebration of the delicate medium of pastel, and the diverse range of contemporary artists who are infusing new energy into this uniquely fragile art form.

The artists featured in "Pastel" are a testament to the enduring appeal and versatility of pastel. Among them are renowned figures such as Rosalba Carriera, Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Louis Fratino, Marsden Hartley, Loie Hollowell, Julian Martin, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Chris Ofili, Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, Billy Sullivan, Wayne Thiebaud, and Robin F. Williams. Each of these artists brings their unique perspective and artistic style to the exhibition, creating a tapestry of vibrant colors, intricate details, and expressive forms that captivate the viewer.

The murals themselves are a testament to Nicolas Party's artistic vision and skill. Each mural is a vibrant explosion of color and texture, with intricate patterns and delicate brushstrokes that evoke a sense of elegance and whimsy. The pastel medium allows for a remarkable level of detail and nuance, allowing artists to capture the essence of their subjects with a finesse that is often difficult to achieve with other mediums.

The exhibition "Pastel" is not only a visual feast but also a celebration of the history and evolution of pastel art. The pastels on display showcase the rich and diverse range of styles and techniques that have been developed over centuries, from the delicate and refined works of the 18th century to the bold and expressive pieces of the 21st century. The exhibition also provides a platform for contemporary artists to explore the potential of pastel and push the boundaries of what is possible with this delicate medium.

In conclusion, Nicolas Party's transformation of the FLAG Art Foundation into a walk-in celebration of pastel is a testament to the power of art to inspire and transform. Through the installation of stunning murals and the presentation of a diverse collection of pastels, "Pastel" showcases the enduring appeal and versatility of this art form. The exhibition provides a platform for contemporary artists to explore the potential of pastel and push the boundaries of what is possible with this delicate medium, while also celebrating the rich history and evolution of pastel art. As visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant world of pastel, they are invited to experience the beauty, delicacy, and expressive power of this art form in a new and exciting way.

Weight: 1458g
Dimension: 236 x 288 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949172522