The Modern Institute recently opened a new round of solo shows at their spaces in Glasgow, with a highlight arguably being Nicolas Party's Polychrome. Dividing the main gallery venue space into three uniquely crafted interiors, the artist's fourth solo exhibition with the gallery presents his ability to create different settings using distinct sculptural works, delicate pastels on canvas, and occasional wall patterns.
After entering the exhibition through an unusually low entrance, one notices three rooms connected by arched doorways of the same incremental height. Each room features a portrait with sculptural pieces acting as a buildup to the final section. The first room opens with a portrait of a blue butterfly floating around a figure enclothed in a yellow shirt matching the room color. The experience intensifies with the simple addition of a butterfly that accentuates the figure and their clothing.
The journey culminates with Frogs and Butterfly Portrait where a grandiose figure wearing a patterned robe of frogs is immersed inside a flutter of colorful butterflies. The tender and fragile physical characteristics of pastels match those of butterfly wings and their scaled pigmentation while the entire presentation symbolizes the creatures’ ability to alter their physical appearances.
Evoking classical sculptural tropes from the busts of ancient Greece to the tomb-like effigies of the Middle Ages, Party's wooden sculptures are scattered through the venue alongside his works on canvas. By creating a unique universe where surfaces and colors detach themselves from those expected of such archetypal examples, Party's wooden statues successfully share the smooth surfaces of his pastel portraits. These works also inspire the title of the show, a word borrowed from the ancient Greek practice of painting sculptures in a variety of colors.
Taking references from art history and classic formats, Party successfully translates familiar elements into his signature aesthetic language. At the same time, Party maintains a tangible uncanniness through his practice by using the delicate texture of pastel while playing with vibrant color as the symbol of modern times.
"Polychrome" is Nicolas Party's fourth solo exhibition with the Modern Institute, on display through August 28, 2019.
Photo credit by Patrick Jameson, Courtesy of the artist and The Modern Institute/Toby Webster Ltd, Glasgow