Artists & Artisans
Condo, George
Early Life and Education
George Condo was born on December 10, 1957, in Concord, New Hampshire. He showed an early interest in the arts, which led him to study art history and music theory at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Though he did not complete his degree, Condo's time at the university was formative, exposing him to a broad spectrum of artistic and musical influences.
Condo's entry into the art world began in Boston, where he became involved in the local art scene through a silkscreen shop and his proto-synth/punk band, The Girls. The band produced a single in 1979, the same year Condo met Jean-Michel Basquiat. This encounter proved pivotal, prompting Condo to move to Ludlow Street in New York City to pursue a career as a visual artist.
Shortly into his career, Condo coined the term "Artificial Realism," defining it as the realistic representation of that which is artificial. This concept combined elements of Old Master painting with American pop culture, creating a unique and distinctive style.
Warhol's Factory and European Travels
In 1981, Condo worked in Andy Warhol’s Factory, where he engaged in silkscreen production and hosted his own exhibitions. This period was crucial for Condo, allowing him to immerse himself in a vibrant artistic community and refine his style. Following his time at the Factory, Condo traveled extensively through Europe, further expanding his creative horizons.
Upon returning to New York, Condo met Keith Haring, who became a close friend until Haring’s untimely death in 1990. Between 1985 and 1995, Condo lived between Paris and New York, consistently exhibiting his work worldwide.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
One of Condo's most significant contributions to contemporary art is his exploration of portraiture. His portraits, often described as "psychological cubism," depict fractured, multifaceted figures that reflect the complexities of the human psyche. These works challenge traditional notions of identity and representation, offering a fresh perspective on the human condition.
Condo's prolific career includes numerous key works and exhibitions that have cemented his reputation in the art world. His painting The Insane Clown (2004) and the series Mental States (2011) are among his most celebrated works, showcasing his talent for combining dark humor with profound philosophical inquiry.
Important Commissions and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Condo has undertaken several important commissions and collaborations. Some notable examples include:
- Illustrating Jack Kerouac's Book of Sketches (Penguin Poets, 2006).
- Creating the album cover for Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and various singles.
- Painting a Hermès Birkin Bag for Kanye West, which West gifted to Kim Kardashian.
- Painting an abstract portrait of the opera countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo for the cover of his 2018 album.
- Designing invitations for Michael Rubin’s 2024 White Party in the Hamptons, one of the most famous and exclusive parties in the world.
Legacy and Collections
George Condo's work is held in the permanent collections of several prestigious museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Other notable collections featuring his work include the Albright-Knox Museum, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and the Broad Foundation in Los Angeles, among various other American and European institutions.
Artists & Artisans
Condo, George
Early Life and Education
George Condo was born on December 10, 1957, in Concord, New Hampshire. He showed an early interest in the arts, which led him to study art history and music theory at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Though he did not complete his degree, Condo's time at the university was formative, exposing him to a broad spectrum of artistic and musical influences.
Condo's entry into the art world began in Boston, where he became involved in the local art scene through a silkscreen shop and his proto-synth/punk band, The Girls. The band produced a single in 1979, the same year Condo met Jean-Michel Basquiat. This encounter proved pivotal, prompting Condo to move to Ludlow Street in New York City to pursue a career as a visual artist.
Shortly into his career, Condo coined the term "Artificial Realism," defining it as the realistic representation of that which is artificial. This concept combined elements of Old Master painting with American pop culture, creating a unique and distinctive style.
Warhol's Factory and European Travels
In 1981, Condo worked in Andy Warhol’s Factory, where he engaged in silkscreen production and hosted his own exhibitions. This period was crucial for Condo, allowing him to immerse himself in a vibrant artistic community and refine his style. Following his time at the Factory, Condo traveled extensively through Europe, further expanding his creative horizons.
Upon returning to New York, Condo met Keith Haring, who became a close friend until Haring’s untimely death in 1990. Between 1985 and 1995, Condo lived between Paris and New York, consistently exhibiting his work worldwide.
Artistic Style and Notable Works
One of Condo's most significant contributions to contemporary art is his exploration of portraiture. His portraits, often described as "psychological cubism," depict fractured, multifaceted figures that reflect the complexities of the human psyche. These works challenge traditional notions of identity and representation, offering a fresh perspective on the human condition.
Condo's prolific career includes numerous key works and exhibitions that have cemented his reputation in the art world. His painting The Insane Clown (2004) and the series Mental States (2011) are among his most celebrated works, showcasing his talent for combining dark humor with profound philosophical inquiry.
Important Commissions and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Condo has undertaken several important commissions and collaborations. Some notable examples include:
- Illustrating Jack Kerouac's Book of Sketches (Penguin Poets, 2006).
- Creating the album cover for Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and various singles.
- Painting a Hermès Birkin Bag for Kanye West, which West gifted to Kim Kardashian.
- Painting an abstract portrait of the opera countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo for the cover of his 2018 album.
- Designing invitations for Michael Rubin’s 2024 White Party in the Hamptons, one of the most famous and exclusive parties in the world.
Legacy and Collections
George Condo's work is held in the permanent collections of several prestigious museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Other notable collections featuring his work include the Albright-Knox Museum, the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and the Broad Foundation in Los Angeles, among various other American and European institutions.
