Artist Talk: Nicolas Party

Commissioned by the Hirshhorn to wrap the full 360-degree exterior of our building while its façade undergoes critical repairs, "Draw the Curtain" is composed of original pastel works digitally collaged and printed onto industrial scrim. The site-specific public artwork samples a rich selection of curtain images from across art history and combines them with the artist’s signature portraits. For the first time, the vibrant colors and rich texture of Party’s well-known pastels have been transposed into an entirely new medium.
"Draw the Curtain" has transformed the Hirshhorn’s façade into a unified canvas that stands out against the landscape of predominantly neo-classical buildings on the National Mall. Party’s magnetic imagery encourages visitors and passersby to “peek” behind the curtain, exploring the meaning of this historic, symbolic space. Through this work, Party addresses themes of dupery and illusion, inviting us to question what lies behind the façades of the buildings in our nation’s capital.

[@RonaldGosses]

So very happy that you show the art many of us can not see. Thanks!

[@cliokoutzoumis]

Genius! This screen has turned an amazing museum itself into a work of art! I forget the art is there to perform a function. I will hate to see it go! This screen is now part of the Hirshhorn’s history. Congratulations to all who worked on this project!