“Oils allow you to endlessly retouch. With pastels, it’s kind of the exact opposite. You can layer and layer, but you can’t start over.” — Nicolas Party   Inspired by Picasso’s use of pastel, Party embraces the medium in ‘Grotto’—one of three pastel works from 2019 that reinterpret age-old art historical themes. Here, he layers soft pigments with precision, creating depth and atmosphere to reimagine William Degouve’s ‘Caves of Manacor’.   This work is part of the #SothebysHongKong Modern & Contemporary Evening Auction, presented in partnership with celine. See it in person now at the Maison through 28 March, ahead of the sale on 29 March. #NicolasParty #SothebysContemporary