George Condo's "Existential Portraits" is a profound exploration into the human psyche, presenting a series of artworks that blur the lines between the familiar and the surreal. Through paintings, drawings, and sculptures created from the beginning of 2005 through May 2006, Condo introduces viewers to a wide range of characters that embody various aspects of human existence and emotion. These characters are not just mere representations of people; they are embodiments of psychological complexities, displaying both their outer appearances and their inner conditions.

In his works, Condo engages with archetypes and imagined figures, drawing from real life as he perceives or envisions it. The central character in this series is Jean Louis, who appears in multiple forms, including a driver, a butler, maids, a chef, and numerous relatives. This array of characters represents "fractions of humanity battling extinction," highlighting the struggle for identity and meaning within the modern world. Alongside these figures, Condo incorporates icons such as Batman and the Playboy Bunny, as well as characters like Uncle Joe and the Truck Driver, further enriching his exploration of human nature through a diverse cast of characters.

Condo's "Existential Portraits" exhibit his conceptual approach to art, merging high and low cultural references in a way that prompts the viewer to question the boundaries between them. As the viewer navigates through the series, the ever-changing faces and scenes suggest a deeper commentary on the fluidity of identity and the complexity of the human condition. The presence of characters from popular culture and everyday life, juxtaposed with those of his own invention, creates a dynamic dialogue between the viewer and the artwork, encouraging introspection and reflection on the nature of existence itself.

This body of work by George Condo represents a significant contribution to contemporary art, offering a unique perspective on existential themes through the medium of portraiture. The variety of characters and the depth of emotion they convey reflect Condo's mastery in capturing the essence of human experience, marked by a balance between abstraction and realism, and between the grotesque and the beautiful​ (Holzwarth Publications)​​ (Xavier Hufkens)​.