Nicolas Party: sunrise, sunset

JUN 07-OCT 01, 2017 

Sunrises and sunsets are among the few moments in the day when we are reminded that the universe is vast and its measure of time infinite. This perspective, when viewed within a landscape, allows viewers a retreat from the comparatively trivial motions of daily life. By creating a new monumental mural composed of such landscapes—some borrowed from the genre’s historical repertoire, others culled from his imagination—New York–based Swiss artist Nicolas Party (b. 1980) encouraged viewers to step back from these frenzied times and occupy a far more expansive position. Covering the entire Third Level inner-circle gallery, this site-specific commission took advantage of the Hirshhorn’s distinctive circular architecture, a form uniquely suited for such immersive and surreal environments.

Curated by Stéphane Aquin, Chief Curator, with curatorial assistance from Sandy Guttman.