George Condo's artistic journey through the mid-2010s into the present showcases a dynamic evolution in his approach to portraiture, characterized by a fusion of abstraction, figuration, and geometric manipulation. Though there isn't a specific series titled "Geometric Portraits" directly mentioned in the sources, Condo's work from this period and beyond reflects a complex interplay of these elements, illustrating his continuous exploration and reinterpretation of the human figure within a geometric framework.
Condo's work, particularly from the late 2000s into the 2010s, is marked by a distinctive amalgamation of various artistic influences, ranging from Cubism to Pop Art, which he melds into his unique style of "Artificial Realism." This term, which he coined, describes his method of portraying the artificial through a realistic lens, effectively blending traditional portraiture with fantastical, often grotesque character studies. His pieces frequently challenge the boundaries between high art and popular culture, merging sophisticated art historical references with elements of humor and satire (Sothebys.com).
His approach involves a systematic destruction of pictorial structure to achieve what has been described as the "Condo effect," where the viewer is confronted with a destabilized set of meanings, pushing them beyond the comfort of traditional interpretation. This method was particularly noted by philosopher Félix Guattari, who emphasized Condo's unique capacity to disorient and reorient viewer perception through his artwork (Wikipedia).
Throughout his career, Condo has engaged with a variety of materials and techniques, including oil, pastel, charcoal, and acrylic, demonstrating versatility across different mediums. His works from the 2010s, such as "Frankenstorm" (2012), exhibit a vivid engagement with geometric shapes and abstract forms to depict the human face, intertwining realism and abstraction. This piece, created during Hurricane Sandy, draws from Picasso's "Head of a Woman" (1960) but integrates pop culture elements, such as Mickey Mouse ears, showcasing Condo's talent for synthesizing diverse artistic languages into coherent, multifaceted compositions (The Art Story).
In essence, George Condo's artistic trajectory from the mid-2010s to the present encapsulates a profound exploration of the human psyche through the lens of geometric abstraction and figuration. His work challenges viewers to navigate the complex interplay of form, emotion, and narrative, cementing his position as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. Condo's ability to blend and juxtapose various artistic traditions within his portraits not only reflects the fragmented nature of contemporary existence but also affirms the enduring relevance of painting as a medium for psychological and cultural exploration.