Party's head sculptures are typically made using polystyrene, which he then coats with oil paint. This choice of materials allows him to create detailed, lifelike forms that maintain a lightness and versatility. The heads are often brightly colored, with a smooth finish that enhances their surreal, almost otherworldly appearance. By painting directly onto the sculptural surface, Party merges the techniques of painting and sculpture, creating a hybrid form that is both visually striking and conceptually rich (Ocula) (Hauser & Wirth).
The heads often explore themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition. In his 2021 exhibition "Heads and Cave" at the Kunsthalle Marcel Duchamp, Party presented six heads that were devoid of specific expressions, evoking a sense of timelessness and universality. These sculptures were designed to reflect both classical Greek ideals of beauty and modern transformations of the human face through digital filters and cosmetic enhancements. This duality highlights the evolving standards of beauty and the constant quest for idealized forms in both ancient and contemporary contexts (Kunsthalle Duchamp).
One of Party's notable exhibitions featuring head sculptures is "Speakers" at Modern Art Oxford in 2017. This installation included five giant female heads, each painted in bright, unconventional colors. The heads were displayed in a large room with yellow-ochre walls and accompanied by a soundscape, creating an immersive environment. This exhibition was particularly significant as it juxtaposed the masculine history of Oxford with feminine representations, challenging traditional narratives and offering a new perspective on historical and cultural contexts (Elephant Art) (Hauser & Wirth).
Party's head sculptures are influenced by classical art, particularly ancient Greek and Roman busts. However, he reinterprets these classical forms through a contemporary lens, incorporating vibrant colors and modern themes. This blend of old and new allows Party to create works that are both familiar and innovative, inviting viewers to reconsider traditional forms of sculpture within a modern framework (Hauser & Wirth) (Kunsthalle Duchamp).
Nicolas Party's head sculptures are a testament to his ability to merge classical and contemporary elements, creating works that are visually captivating and conceptually deep. Through his innovative use of materials and color, Party continues to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture, making his head sculptures a significant and celebrated part of his artistic practice (Kunsthalle Duchamp) (Hauser & Wirth).