George Condo

George Condo is an American contemporary visual artist known for his unique and imaginative style, blending classical influences with a modern twist. Born in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1957, Condo has made a significant impact on the art world with his distinct approach that he describes as "Artificial Realism." After studying Art History and Music Theory at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, he moved to New York City in the early 1980s. Condo has collaborated with several prominent figures in the art and music scenes, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring. His works are characterized by fragmented, grotesque, yet oddly humorous portraits that explore the human condition through a distorted lens. Condo's art has been exhibited globally and is part of prestigious collections in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

We had the privilege of conserving Abstract figure, 1983, 29 x 24 in, an early work by George Condo on paper. This piece had suffered water damage, which compromised both the delicate paper support and the paint layer. Our conservation team undertook a meticulous process to restore this artwork to its original vibrancy.

The conservation process began with a thorough assessment of the damage. The water stains had caused discoloration and weakened areas of the paper, while the paint layer showed signs of flaking and loss. To address these issues, our team employed a series of specialized techniques. Firstly, we carefully removed the water stains from the paper. This involved using gentle cleaning methods to ensure the paper's integrity was maintained. The next step was to stabilize the paint layer. We used inpainting techniques to reintegrate the affected passages, matching the original colors and textures as closely as possible.