George Condo's artistry in the 1970s laid the foundation for his illustrious career, marked by his innovative blending of high and low cultural references and the development of his unique style, "Artificial Realism." During this decade, Condo embarked on his artistic journey, studying art history and music theory at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. It was also during this time that Condo's path crossed with that of Jean-Michel Basquiat in New York, a meeting that would prove pivotal. Basquiat encouraged Condo to move to New York to further his career in art, a suggestion Condo followed, setting the stage for his first public exhibitions​ (Artnet News)​​ (Art in Context)​. Condo's early works already displayed the seeds of his later, more fully developed styles, including his distinctive approach to portraiture and his use of "Psychological Cubism" to delve into the complexities of the human psyche. His art from this era reflects a burgeoning interest in blending the traditional with the contemporary, an approach that would become a hallmark of his work throughout his career​ (Art in Context)​. As Condo's work evolved, he became known for his unique ability to juxtapose art historical references with elements of pop culture, creating complex narratives that simultaneously engaged with and critiqued societal norms and values. His paintings from this period exhibit a deep engagement with the contemporary American landscape, marked by a rise in conservatism and consumerism, themes that Condo would continue to explore in his work​ (Artnet News)​. Condo's art in the 1970s set the stage for his subsequent exploration of "Artificial Realism," a term he coined to describe his style. This approach is characterized by its fusion of diverse historical movements—including the Italian Renaissance, Spanish Baroque, French Impressionism, Surrealism, 1950s Modernism, and Pop Art—into a distinctive artistic language that challenges traditional classifications and invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries between high art and popular culture​ (Art in Context)​. George Condo's work in the 1970s marks the beginning of a career defined by innovation, a fearless blending of styles, and a critical eye towards the social and cultural landscapes of his time. His early experiments with form and content laid the groundwork for his later achievements, establishing him as a pivotal figure in contemporary art.