What is George Condo's Net Worth?
George Condo is an acclaimed American contemporary visual artist with an impressive net worth of $400 million. Renowned for his work in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking, Condo has significantly influenced the art world since the early 1980s. His unique style blends traditional European art traditions with American pop culture, earning him collaborations with notable figures like writer William S. Burroughs and French philosopher Félix Guattari.
Condo's masterpieces have been showcased globally, including permanent collections at prestigious institutions like New York's Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notably, in May 2018, one of his paintings fetched $6.16 million, setting a personal sales record.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1957 in Concord, New Hampshire, George Condo demonstrated early affinities for both music and visual arts. He studied guitar and music composition while nurturing a passion for drawing and painting. Attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Condo immersed himself in art history and music theory, later working at a silk screen shop in Boston.
Career Beginnings
Condo's early pursuits in music led him to join the proto-synth band The Girls as a bassist. This creative endeavor introduced him to visual artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, inspiring his move to New York City to focus on visual art.
Visual Art Career
Emerging in the early 1980s, Condo became a prominent figure in New York City's East Village art scene. His innovative style, termed "artificial realism," merges traditional European techniques with American pop influences. From 1981 to 1983, he exhibited his work and contributed to Andy Warhol's studio. His first solo show in Los Angeles was followed by a move to Cologne, Germany, where he collaborated with the Mulheimer Freiheit group. He held his debut European solo exhibition in 1984.
Back in New York, Condo befriended visual artist Keith Haring, painting some of his renowned works in Haring's studio. His professional collaborations extended to the 1980s and 1990s with celebrated figures like William S. Burroughs and Félix Guattari. Notably, he created album artworks for artists including Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and other musicians such as Phish and Danny Elfman.
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Permanent Collections
George Condo's works are part of permanent collections in some of the world's most esteemed museums. These include New York's Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His pieces also feature at Washington, DC's Corcoran Gallery of Art and Los Angeles's Broad Foundation.
Legacy and Recognition
Condo's influence spans a diverse array of artists and writers, such as Nigel Cooke, John Currin, and Salman Rushdie. His piece, "The Psychoanalytic Puppeteer Losing His Mind," inspired a chapter in Rushdie's novel "Fury." Moreover, Condo's painting "The Fallen Butler" influenced David Means' short story "The Butler's Lament."
Critical acclaim for Condo's work has led to numerous publications and accolades. He was honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1999 and received the Francis J. Greenburger Award in 2005. His vast lecturing portfolio includes leading universities and museums nationwide. Additionally, the 2000 documentary "Condo Painting" chronicles his artistic process and collaborations.
Personal Life
In 1989, Condo married actress Anna Achdian, with whom he had two daughters, Eleonore and Raphaelle. The couple divorced in 2016. Post his marriage, Condo was romantically linked to businesswoman and former actress Ashley Olsen.
