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1990s
1990s

During the 1990s, George Condo's art continued to evolve, marking a period of intense creativity and exploration. This decade was significant for Condo, both in terms of the development of his unique artistic style and his interactions with other influential artists and thinkers. Living between Paris and New York from 1985 to 1995, Condo engaged in a rich dialogue with contemporary culture, art history, and philosophical ideas, which deeply informed his work during this period​ (Wikipedia)​. Condo's collaboration with writer William S. Burroughs on various paintings, sculptures, and a collection of writings and etchings titled "Ghost of Chance" exemplifies his interdisciplinary approach and willingness to cross the traditional boundaries between visual art and literature. This collaboration was part of Condo's broader engagement with the literary and philosophical circles of his time, including his interactions with French philosopher Félix Guattari. Guattari wrote extensively on Condo's work, emphasizing the "Condo effect," which he described as a unique approach that systematically destroyed pictorial structure, denying the viewer access to a stable set of meanings. This conceptual framework played a crucial role in shaping Condo's art in the 1990s, pushing him to explore beyond the conventional limits of painting​ (Wikipedia)​. The 1990s also saw Condo's engagement with the legacy of Pablo Picasso, whose work he studied closely while living in Paris. Like Picasso, Condo demonstrated a deep reverence for the art of the past while simultaneously incorporating elements from contemporary culture, including Pop Art, graffiti, and Disney cartoon characters. This blend of influences allowed Condo to create a painterly legacy that was unapologetically his own, marked by an aesthetic identity that engaged Picasso's imposing legacy in a dialogic manner​ (Sothebys.com)​. One of the defining features of Condo's work during this period was his continued exploration of portraiture, which he approached with a combination of reverence, innovation, and satire. By reinvigorating the genre of portraiture from within, Condo and Picasso shared a commitment to pushing the boundaries of this traditional form, making it relevant to contemporary audiences. While Picasso drew on his intimate circle for subjects, Condo invented characters that served as ciphers for complex feelings about humanity and the human condition, reflecting a process he termed "Artificial Realism"​ (Sothebys.com)​. The 1990s were a decade of profound exploration and experimentation for George Condo, during which he cemented his position as a key figure in contemporary art. Through his innovative use of historical references, engagement with contemporary culture, and philosophical inquiry, Condo's work from this period continues to challenge and inspire audiences.