LUXURY NOW / OPEN BORDERS / GEORGE CONDO: ART COME TO LIFE

The gruesome characters from the paintings of iconic artist George Condo came to life last month at a fashion presentation in Paris. We showcase the Condo-clad models alongside paintings from an exhibition of the artist's latest work.

In a collaboration of creative talent, the men’s fashion designer Adam Kimmel collaborated with Hollywood prosthetics expert Gabe Bartalos, and the gallerist Yvon Lambert, to create a series of masks that resemble the beautifully hideous characters from the paintings of iconic artist George Condo. Though Condo himself did not paint the masks, they were made with his blessing and are accurate representations of his portraits come to life.

“Out of all the look books that I’ve done and artists I’ve been fortunate enough to meet, George Condo always struck me as the most badass, stylish mother of them all,” exclaims the men’s fashion designer Adam Kimmel. “I have always been fascinated by George’s style, and intuitions about him being as multi-facetted as the intense figures that inhabit his paintings were all confirmed as our friendship and collaboration developed.”

The collaboration he refers to culminated in Paris last month at Kimmel’s presentation of his Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Held at the Yvon Lambert gallery, the exhibition space was transformed into a casino where gamblers wore not only Kimmel’s latest wares, but also eerie masks that resembled characters from Condo’s signature paintings. The Hollywood prosthetics designer Gabe Bartalos (known for his work with artist Matthew Barney) created the 18 masks made from foam. Though Condo himself did not take part in the collaboration, they were created with his blessing and are accurate representations of characters from his most iconic works.

“I learned that Condo is an incredible gambler who summers in Monte Carlo to be close to the casino,” explains Kimmel of the spectacle, his latest in a series of collaborations with artists including Dan Colen. Condo himself previously appeared as a model in the designer’s spring summer 2008 look book. Indeed, it is the man more than his art that inspires Kimmel.

“My Fall/Winter 2010 Casino collection draws inspiration less from the paintings than the character and style they suggest,” he says. “The collection is about George and his world. It’s a world that the paintings do cross into, but it’s really more about how I picture George dressing: velvet slipper shoes, cashmere v-neck sweaters, polo shirts, with velvet suits in light grey, burgundy, and classic smoking green.”

Coinciding with the unveiling of Kimmel’s Condo-inspired collection is an exhibition of the artist’s latest work. “Family Portraits”, which opened at the Sprüth Magers gallery in Berlin on January 30 and runs until April 1, 2010 continues the 53-year-old artist’s signature style of beautifully hideous portraits, partly composed of geometric forms. As in his previous work, Condo takes inspiration from American comic books, Old Master portraits, as well as Greek mythological figures. American-born and New York City-based Condo has been noted to reference historical painting techniques, giving a nod to the likes of Picasso and Velázquez, while painting in his own unique style.

Though dark and moody, Condo’s work often raises a smile for its humor. This famously sophisticated combination is something that is not lost on Kimmel, perhaps Condo’s greatest fan. The designer sums up: “By bringing George’s paintings to life we are offering a view of the ultimate Condo style.”

More info:

www.adamkimmel.com

“Family Portraits” at Sprüth Magers, Berlin, runs until April 1, 2010
http://spruethmagers.net/exhibitions/252

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