George Condo’s latest works are the focus of DESTE Foundation’s The Mad and the Lonely exhibition, running until October 31, 2024. Located on the picturesque island of Hydra in Greece, the DESTE Foundation’s unique space, a former slaughterhouse, sets a haunting stage for Condo’s exploration of society’s marginalized individuals.
Condo’s characters, though fictional, reflect the psychological and societal turmoil of our times. For this exhibition, he blends ancient Greek techniques with his distinctive style, creating a captivating fusion of minimalist sculptures and chaotic figures. The history of the slaughterhouse adds an eerie dimension to the exhibit, enhancing the themes of madness and isolation that permeate Condo’s work.
Condo’s series captures fragmented, often grotesque figures teetering on the edge of madness and isolation. Drawing inspiration from the Renaissance to Pop Art, his practice revolves around “Psychological Cubism,” where multiple emotional states converge into distorted forms. Notable works such as Woman with Bear (1997) and sculptures like Lunatic (2009) vividly depict the instability of human emotions.
Hydra, with its juxtaposition of ancient history and modernity, perfectly complements Condo’s art. The island’s serene beauty contrasts sharply with the grotesque and tragic elements embedded in his practice. The Mad and the Lonely confronts these contradictions directly, offering a raw and unfiltered look at a fractured society.
Exhibition Details
Location: DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse
Address: Epar.Od. Mandrakiou-Molou, Idra 180 40, Greece
Dates: Until October 31, 2024
