Party's approach to mural-making is deeply rooted in his background in graffiti, which influences his ability to work quickly and efficiently on large surfaces. He often uses soft pastels, a medium that allows for rich, saturated colors and smooth transitions, giving his murals a vivid, almost ethereal quality. This technique is evident in works like the expansive mural at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., titled "sunrise, sunset" (2017), which spans nearly 400 feet and features a series of fantastical landscapes framed by various window shapes and colors (Artsy) (Smithsonian Magazine).
Party's murals frequently explore themes of nature, time, and human perception. In "sunrise, sunset," for example, each section of the mural is painted in different colors and depicts various natural scenes, from icy Arctic landscapes to tropical settings, symbolizing the cyclical nature of time and the diverse beauty of the natural world. His murals often incorporate elements of surrealism and symbolism, inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the vivid imagery (Smithsonian Magazine) (The Frick Collection).
One of Party's notable mural projects is his site-specific installation at the Frick Madison in New York, where he created a large pastel mural in response to an 18th-century pastel portrait by Rosalba Carriera. This installation features elaborate draperies and additional pastel portraits by Party, engaging with historical themes while presenting them in a contemporary context (The Frick Collection) . Another significant work is his mural at the Hauser & Wirth gallery in New York, part of his "Swamp" exhibition. This mural depicts a forest in flames, highlighting environmental themes and the impact of human activity on nature (Ocula) (GalleriesNow).
Party's murals are influenced by a wide range of art historical sources, from Renaissance frescoes to 19th-century landscape paintings. He often cites his experiences viewing works by artists like Fra Angelico as pivotal in shaping his desire to integrate art and architecture. This historical grounding, combined with his modern sensibilities and graffiti background, allows Party to create murals that are both deeply rooted in tradition and strikingly contemporary (Artsy) (Smithsonian Magazine).
Nicolas Party's murals are a testament to his ability to transform spaces through color and composition. His innovative use of pastels and his engagement with both historical and contemporary themes make his murals a dynamic and essential part of his artistic practice (Smithsonian Magazine) (The Frick Collection) (Ocula).