Artist Spotlight

The Fascinating World of The Connor Brothers

Truth and Fiction

Not all artists choose to ‘be the story’, with most preferring the attention focus on their work. While this is also true of The Connor Brothers, their attempt to step back from the limelight instead generated it’s own scrutiny. 

Originally introduced as twin brothers raised in a California cult, the artists, James Golding and Mike Snelle, are actually British friends who chose to hide their personal struggles with mental health and addiction behind a fictitious backstory. 

Blending truth and fiction is part of the pair’s artistic vision, and they continue to create pieces that question reality and perception, while entertaining and educating in equal measure.

Art with Heart and Purpose

The Connor Brothers’ have a distinctive - and widely enjoyed - style combining vintage imagery with provocative, often humorous, text overlays that prompt us to challenge our preconceptions. Their work frequently features glamorous retro scenes overlaid with modern, irreverent captions, giving us a juxtaposition that creates a dialogue between past and present, between expectation and reality.

Also distinguishing the duo is their commitment to causes beyond the canvas. The pair are deeply socially engaged, regularly using their work to support mental health charities and humanitarian causes. It’s not just about making statements, but about making a difference, too. Their involvement in refugee projects - including time spent working in the French refugee camp The Jungle - and mental health initiatives - such as supporting Mind - demonstrates their desire for art to offer both commentary and catalyst for change.

Their approach has attracted many collectors and inclusion within major international art institutions including The Victoria and Albert Museum and The Penguin Collection. Despite such high-profile attention, their work continues to be accessible and relatable, speaking to universal themes of identity, truth, and human connection.

Transforming their personal struggles into art that resonates with so many, The Connor Brothers show how creativity can connect us through shared understanding, and give us a nudge to look beyond the obvious.

Why not visit us here at The Rose Gallery to see The Connor Brothers latest works.