In the words of the former Hayward Gallery director, Ralph Rugoff, Condo’s paintings reveal a ‘remarkable breadth of artistic exploration.’
He is perhaps best-known, though, for his depictions of an eccentric array of invented characters, all seemingly in competition with each other as to which has the most startling physiognomy. These include The Insane Psychiatrist and The Secretary, both from 2002.
‘George Condo is an artist who can reference French 18th-century portraiture and a comic strip in one and the same painting,’ says Francey. ‘He mixes high art and low art with aplomb — something that has helped him achieve a wide audience internationally. He’s sought after by buyers in America, Europe and increasingly Asia.’
A standout example of Condo’s mix of high and low art is Frankenstorm. The subject is inspired by Picasso’s Head of a Woman from 1960, yet its ears are clearly modelled on those of Mickey Mouse. Condo, who likes to live life on the edge, painted Frankenstorm in 2012 during the height of Hurricane Sandy, without access to electricity and the outside world.
