Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Neo Expressionist artist George Condo. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1988 by American artist George Condo, this work combines oil paint with collage elements on paper that has been affixed to canvas. Classified as a portrait within the Neo‑Expressionist current, the piece resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Its composition merges painted surface with cut‑out fragments, producing a dense, layered visual field.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a series of stylized faces and figures rendered with exaggerated eyes, angular lines and vivid hues of pink, blue and yellow. Some expressions appear jovial, others solemn, and a few verge on the unsettling, suggesting a range of emotional states. The juxtaposition of these disparate visages invites contemplation of identity and the multiplicity of persona.
Technique & Style
The use of bold color blocks and simplified facial features aligns with the expressive, gestural qualities characteristic of Neo‑Expressionism.
Condo employs a collage method, adhering paper cut‑outs onto a dark, swirling background that resembles tangled organic forms. The underlying black swirls contrast with a predominantly white field scattered with faint sketches, creating a sense of controlled chaos. The use of bold color blocks and simplified facial features aligns with the expressive, gestural qualities characteristic of Neo‑Expressionism.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced during a prolific period for Condo in the late 1980s, when he was establishing his reputation for hybrid figurative work. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 1990s, where it has been displayed as part of the institution’s representation of contemporary American painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Condo (born 1957) is an American visual artist who works in painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. He lives and works in New York City.
