George Condo is an American contemporary artist known for his distinct approach to painting, which blends traditional styles with contemporary techniques. He was born on November 10, 1957, in Concord, New Hampshire, and studied art at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Boston.
Condo began his career in the early 1980s in New York City, where he became associated with the East Village art scene. His early work was heavily influenced by the Neo-Expressionist movement, which was popular at the time, and he often used thick, impasto layers of paint and bold, gestural brushstrokes.
In the mid-1980s, Condo began to develop his own unique style, which he called "Artificial Realism." This approach involved taking elements from traditional painting, such as portraits and still lifes, and reimagining them in a way that was both recognizable and absurd. Condo's paintings often feature distorted faces, hybrid creatures, and surreal landscapes, which challenge viewers' perceptions of reality and push the boundaries of traditional painting.
Condo's techniques vary from painting to painting, but he often uses a combination of oil, acrylic, and enamel paints to create layered, textured surfaces. He also frequently employs a technique called "blurring," in which he smudges or blurs certain parts of the painting to create a sense of movement or disorientation.
In addition to painting, Condo has also worked in sculpture, printmaking, and drawing. He has exhibited his work in galleries and museums around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Centre Pompidou. Condo's work has been praised for its ability to simultaneously reference art history and contemporary culture, and for its wit and irreverence.
George Condo paintings at auction:
George Condo's paintings have sold for significant amounts at auction. Here are some of his most expensive paintings that have been sold:
"The Fool" - Sold for $6.16 million at Christie's New York in 2017.
"Antipodal Reunion" - Sold for $4.97 million at Sotheby's London in 2015.
"Confrontation" - Sold for $4.6 million at Christie's New York in 2017.
"Joker" - Sold for $3.9 million at Christie's New York in 2015.
"The Cloudmaker" - Sold for $3.6 million at Sotheby's London in 2016.
It's worth noting that auction prices can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including the condition of the artwork, the provenance, and the current market demand for the artist's work.
