George Condo's transition to Psychological Cubism marks a pivotal evolution in his artistic career, reflecting his deepening exploration into the complexities of human consciousness. This transition, which began in the mid-1980s, involves a unique blend of traditional Cubism with psychological insights, allowing Condo to depict multiple emotional and mental states within a single composition.

Condo's initial foray into this style drew heavily from the works of Pablo Picasso, particularly the way Picasso's Cubism depicted objects from various perspectives on a single plane. Condo adapted this approach to explore the multifaceted nature of human psychology, presenting his subjects as a composite of their different emotional and mental states. He describes this technique as capturing the "emotional potentialities" of a person, portraying these varied states simultaneously rather than sequentially (Avant Arte) (Sothebys.com).

The term Psychological Cubism itself was coined by Condo to articulate this method. In contrast to the physical fragmentation seen in traditional Cubism, Condo's approach involves a psychological fragmentation, where the external appearance is intertwined with the inner turmoil and complexities of the mind. This can be seen in works such as "The Secretary" (2002) and "The Fallen Butler" (2009), where exaggerated and distorted features convey a rich tapestry of emotional depth (The Art Story) (The Phillips Collection).

Condo's Psychological Cubism is also characterized by its references to a wide range of art historical styles, blending elements from Old Master paintings with contemporary pop culture. This eclectic mix not only pays homage to artistic traditions but also critiques and satirizes modern societal norms. His paintings often juxtapose classical techniques with cartoonish, surreal elements, creating a dissonance that is both visually striking and intellectually provocative (The Art Story) (Avant Arte).

George Condo's development of Psychological Cubism represents a significant contribution to contemporary art. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the complex inner lives of his subjects, reflecting Condo's belief that true realism in art lies in the portrayal of the mind rather than mere physical likeness (The Phillips Collection) (Sothebys.com).