People Are Strange is an exhibition by George Condo at Hauser & Wirth in West Hollywood, held from February 15 to April 22, 2023. Condo, known for his unique blend of cubism, surrealism, and expressionism, explores the fragmented and often disorienting aspects of the human psyche in this showcase. Taking inspiration from The Doors' 1967 song, "People Are Strange," Condo's pieces reflect the fluid and complex nature of human emotions, identity, and societal influence. His distinctive style captures this strangeness by portraying individuals in varying states of transformation and emotional depth.
The exhibition features large-scale paintings where Condo uses layered compositions to create dynamic portraits that blend abstraction with representational elements. Notable works like "Transitional Portrait in Turquoise and Gold" (2022) illustrate themes of temporality and aging, with figures presented in fragmented states that evoke both timelessness and self-reflection. This work, like others in the show, embodies Condo's ability to capture the psychological and emotional dimensions of contemporary life, echoing the fractured nature of society and the multilayered aspects of identity.
Creation Year: Works exhibited primarily from 2022; exhibition held in 2023.
Read This if You Are Into:
Contemporary and modern art
Psychological and emotional exploration in art
Themes of identity and transformation
Abstract and surrealist portraits
Cubist and expressionist influences
Why This is Important:
George Condo’s People Are Strange holds a significant place in contemporary art by delving into themes of transformation and temporality, capturing human complexities in a fragmented, multidimensional style. The exhibition underscores Condo’s impact on modern portraiture and psychological art, where traditional forms are broken and reconstructed to mirror societal chaos and individual introspection. By merging references from art history with contemporary psychological themes, Condo continues to shape the discourse on human identity, making People Are Strange a notable contribution to the exploration of self-perception and modern emotional landscapes.
