George Condo, one of the most influential contemporary artists, opens a double exhibition in New York, collaborating with the galleries Sprüth Magers and Hauser & Wirth.
This exhibition, titled “George Condo: Pastels”, offers an in-depth overview of his work on paper, highlighting his inexhaustible creativity and mastery of the pastel medium.
An Exploration of Improvisation and Abstraction
In the works presented, Condo pushes the limits of improvisation, using chalk, color fields, and gestural pastels without any preparatory drawing.
This technique allows him to deeply explore the challenges in expressing various states of the human psyche, relying on abstraction to reflect the fragmented and elusive nature of thoughts and emotions.
Details of the George Condo Exhibition in New York
The exhibition takes place in two distinct locations:
- Sprüth Magers: from January 29 to March 1, 2025, at 22 E 80th Street.
- Hauser & Wirth New York, Wooster Street: from January 29 to April 12, 2025. In total, 20 large works on paper are exhibited, with dimensions of about 2 meters in height by 1.5 meters in width. Prices range from $600,000 to $1.5 million, and sales are proceeding rapidly.
The Works on Display in New York
The exhibited works are mainly imaginary portraits in Condo’s distinctive style, characterized by somatic features that clash in explosive ways.
The artist draws on male and female physiognomy, their own repertoire, and the history of art to create compositions that represent moods and unique presences. Created with pastel, acrylic, and metallic paint, some works tend more towards abstraction than others.
The two exhibitions in New York feature works on paper sold between 600,000 and 1.5 million dollars, with most of the large pieces valued around 1.2 million dollars.
However, in the secondary market, Condo’s works on paper have reached a high of about 1 million dollars at auction, as demonstrated by the sale of Tan Orgy Improvisation (2005) in 2018.
This raises questions about the future revaluation of these new works compared to the canvases, which traditionally sell for 2.5 times the price And according to some sources they are selling very quickly.
The Collaboration with Sprüth Magers
The relationship between George Condo and Sprüth Magers dates back over three decades, with one of the artist’s first solo exhibitions at Galerie Monika Sprüth in 1984. This long collaboration testifies to the mutual trust and appreciation for Condo’s artistic evolution over the years.
The Art Market and Investment in Works on Paper
The works on paper by Condo are attracting significant attention in the art market, with collectors and consultants recognizing their value both artistically and as an investment. The speed of sales and the interest generated suggest a strong demand for these unique creations.
The double exhibition “George Condo: Pastels” represents an unmissable opportunity to explore the depth and versatility of Condo’s work on paper.
For art enthusiasts and collectors, this exhibition offers an intimate look at the creative process of one of the most influential artists of our time.
George Condo is recognized as one of the most influential contemporary artists, with a career spanning over four decades. His distinctive style, often described as “Artificial Realism” or “Psychological Cubism,” combines elements of classical European art with a modern sensibility, creating works that are both provocative and deeply expressive.
Performance in the Auctions of George Condo
In recent years, Condo’s works have achieved significant results in the major international auction houses.
For example, in 2018, his painting “Nude and Forms” was sold for $6.16 million by Christie’s, far exceeding the pre-auction estimates. In 2020, “Force Field” was auctioned for $6.9 million, setting a new personal record for the artist.
These results indicate a growing demand and appreciation for Condo’s works in the bull art market.
Market Evaluation
The art market for George Condo has been characterized by a steady growth, with an increase in both the value and demand for his works.
His ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant in the contemporary art scene has helped to consolidate his position in the secondary market. His works are present in prestigious collections and museums around the world, further increasing his visibility and reputation.
Considerations on Investment in George Condo
Investing in works by George Condo could represent an interesting opportunity, given his solid performance at auctions and the continued relevance in the world of contemporary art. However, it is essential to consider several factors:
- Authenticity and Provenance: Ensure that the work has complete and verifiable documentation.
- Condition of the Work: Evaluate the state of preservation, as any restorations or damages can affect the value.
- Rarity and Importance: Unique works or those belonging to significant periods of the artist’s career tend to have a greater value.
- Market Trend: Monitor the current trends of the art market and consult industry experts to obtain updated evaluations.
George Condo has demonstrated a solid presence in the art market, with works that continue to attract collectors and investors.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
