George Condo: Spectacular Show at Deste Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse this Summer
Every summer, as the scorching Greek sun bathes the Aegean Sea in its golden light, we embark on our annual pilgrimage to the enchanting Island of Hydra.
This rocky paradise, with its car-free streets and mules transporting everything that can't be carried by man, transforms into a vibrant hub of contemporary art, drawing creators and connoisseurs from around the globe.
This year, the island's artistic pulse beats stronger than ever, with a trio of unmissable exhibitions that captivate and inspire.
George Condo: Impressions from the stunning exhibition "The Mad and the Lonely" currently on view Hydra Island Greece at DESTE Foundation | Image: Munchies Art Club Magazine
Our artistic journey begins with Dimitrios Antonitsis' thought-provoking School Projects 2024, a testament to the island's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Next, we'll lose ourselves in the labyrinthine creativity on display at The Carpet Factory, where history and innovation intertwine.
Dominique Catherina Foertig
More Shows During the Summer: Carpet Factory Hydra Greece
But the crown jewel of this summer's offerings awaits us at the former Slaughterhouse – a once-grim space now reborn as a sanctuary for cutting-edge art.
Thanks to the support of Dakis Joannou, whose dedication to contemporary art is legendary, we have the extraordinary privilege of witnessing George Condo's latest masterpieces.
Hydra News: George Condo in Conversation with Massimiliano Gioni | Deste Foundation
"The Mad and the Lonely," hosted by DESTE Project Space, transforms the former Slaughterhouse into a realm where George Condo's distinctive style – a mesmerizing blend of the grotesque and the sublime – reigns supreme from June 18 to October 31.
George Condo's striking sculpture on view at Deste Foundation Hydra Island Slaugtherhouse | Photo: Ernst Koslitsch
This exhibition is a highlight not just of our Hydra sojourn, but of the entire contemporary art calendar.
The Mad and the Lonely Exhibition by George Condo
Step into "The Mad and the Lonely," an exhibition that features a selection of George Condo's small-scale paintings and sculptures, encapsulating his diverse career.
George Condo's intriguing painting, set against a rustic backdrop with a stunning sea view, on display at the DESTE Foundation Hydra.| Photo: Ernst Koslitsch
The artworks depict society's outcasts—individuals caught between madness and isolation—with Condo's unique style transforming these abstract, unsettling forms into eerily human depictions.
His art merges Renaissance richness with Pop Art's vividness, creating a distinctive visual language that challenges traditional portraiture and modernist norms.
George Condo: "The Mad and the Lonely" on view at DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse, Hydra | Photo: Ernst Koslitsch
George Condo: Installation view "The Mad and the Lonely" DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse Hydra | Photo: Ernst Koslitsch
"Psychological Cubism," his signature technique showcased in "Woman with Bear" (1997), portrays subjects through emotional states rather than physical forms. Additional works like "Lunatic" (2009) and "Renegade" (2009), and portraits such as "Don Rodrigo" (2010) and "The Jester" (2019), highlight his ability to fuse contrasting emotions within a single frame.
These pieces, both grotesque and captivating, blur the lines between representation and abstraction, inviting viewers into the complex psychological landscapes of his characters.
George Condo: Master of "Psychological Cubism"
George Condo, born in 1957, is a pivotal figure in contemporary American art. His "Psychological Cubism" blends classical techniques with pop art sensibilities, producing portraits that echo the complexities of modern existence.
His fragmented, exaggerated figures serve as mirrors to our societal contradictions and personal turmoil.
Drawing influences from Picasso to Goya, Condo's unique voice continues to evolve, pushing past established artistic boundaries to challenge both observers and himself.
Through his ongoing evolution, he not only reaffirms his role as a key contemporary artist but also as a visionary redefining portraiture.
His work, capturing the absurd, the macabre, and the deeply human, marks him as one of the most influential artists of our era.
Additonal Infos about the Exhibition at Deste Foundation Hydra Island Greece
The DESTE Foundation Project Space on Hydra Island, Greece, is a contemporary art exhibition space housed in a renovated former slaughterhouse.
Deste Foundation with more infos
Since 2009, it has hosted annual summer exhibitions featuring site-specific installations by invited artists, serving as a unique venue for contemporary art in a historic setting.
The space retains elements of its original identity while providing a distinctive platform for showcasing modern artistic expressions.
PRACTICAL INFO
Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse, Hydra
Duration: 18.6.2024 - 31.10.2024
Opening Hours Daily: 11:00-13:00 & 19:00-22
Closed Tuesdays (exception: open on Tue., June 18)
Follow DESTE Foundation´s Instagram for more insights.
Dominique Catherina Foertig
Deste Foundation 2023 Exhibition
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