George Condo (b. 1957) is an American contemporary artist known for his distinctive blend of figuration and abstraction, creating dynamic, psychologically charged portraits and compositions that explore the complexities of human emotion, identity, and culture. Born in Monroe, New Hampshire, Condo studied at the University of Massachusetts before moving to New York City in the late 1970s, where he began to develop his unique style. Drawing from a wide range of artistic influences—including classical portraiture, surrealism, and cartoon imagery—Condo’s work is marked by his ability to reimagine the human form through exaggerated, often distorted, features.
Condo’s most famous works are his "Mental States" series, which he began in the 1980s, depicting fragmented and distorted faces that convey a wide spectrum of emotions, from anguish to absurdity. His work often juxtaposes elements of abstraction with vivid, sometimes grotesque representations of the human figure, creating a dialogue between beauty and dissonance. He has described his style as "artificial realism," emphasizing a psychological depth that challenges traditional notions of portraiture.
Throughout his career, Condo has worked in painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking, exhibiting in major institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His collaborations with musicians such as Kanye West, for whom he created album covers, further expanded his influence into popular culture. Condo’s work remains a significant force in contemporary art, celebrated for its originality, emotional intensity, and complex visual language.