Portrait & Head

About This Work

George Condo's "Portrait & Head" from 2024 is an exemplary print that encapsulates the artist's signature exploration of form and identity, which he has honed over decades of innovative practice. Condo, a central figure in contemporary American art, is renowned for a style that he describes as "Psychological Cubism" and "Artificial Realism," both of which are vividly present in this work. Since his emergence from the vibrant New York East Village scene of the 1980s, alongside illustrious peers such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Condo has forged a unique path that marries the technical prowess of the Old Masters with the eccentric, and often disquieting, perspective of modern identity. In "Portrait & Head," Condo continues to dissect the human face and psyche with a surrealist approach. The piece evokes his celebrated cycles, such as Fashion Models and Imaginary Portraits, where the whimsical and the grotesque intertwine to challenge conventional beauty standards and societal norms. This print captures the dichotomy of his subjects — they are at once familiar and otherworldly, balancing realism with an almost cartoon-like abstraction. The layering technique, a hallmark of Condo's printmaking, draws the viewer into an intimate dialogue with the character's multifaceted persona, sparking introspection about the fractured nature of the self. Condo's ability to meld diverse influences — from the Old Masters to modern iconography — is a testament to his deep understanding of art history, fused with a contemporary twist. His residence in Paris further refined his aesthetic, impregnating his work with a European sensibility that harmonizes with the dynamic, chaotic energy of New York. As with his diverse body of work housed in the prestigious collections of MoMA, the Whitney, the Tate, the Met, and the Centre Pompidou, "Portrait & Head" affirms Condo’s place in the pantheon of modern art. His work not only reflects the complexities of human emotion but also challenges viewers to confront the multifaceted nature of personal and collective identity. "Portrait & Head" is a proof of George Condo's enduring legacy and his continual evolution as an artist. It finds a fitting home within the Zebra One Gallery collection, which celebrates both contemporary narratives and the timeless dialogue between viewer and art.

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research