George Condo studied art at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and then attended the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he received a degree in Art History. Later, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in art. In the 1980s, Condo became associated with the East Village art scene, collaborating and exhibiting alongside artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
During this period, he developed a style that melded influences from various art historical periods, including Old Master painting, Surrealism, and Pop Art. One of Condo’s most recognizable contributions to contemporary art is his creation of “artificial realism.” This style involves combining disparate elements to create new and often grotesque characters, resulting in paintings that challenge traditional notions of beauty and representation. He often distorts, exaggerates, and reconfigures features, resulting in a sense of psychological and emotional intensity.
Despite the unconventional nature of his art, Condo’s pieces exhibit a mastery of technique and a deep understanding of art history. His art has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he has gained critical acclaim for his innovative contributions to contemporary art. George Condo’s ability to challenge conventions and engage viewers in a dialogue about the nature of representation, perception, and identity has earned him a lasting legacy as a groundbreaking artist of the 20th and 21st centuries.
