If you’re already aware of the Connor Brothers, then you might expect their latest show to include images of pin-up models accompanied by pithy text. Or perhaps a graphic Penguin book cover with a dark satirical twist. You will not expect to see images of fire-breathing dragons or a tyrannosaurus rex with blood dripping from its mouth.
Do not adjust your screens – this is The Connor Brothers as you’ve never witnessed them before.
The renowned artistic duo’s new solo show at Maddox Gallery is called Mythomania. Opening on 24 June 2022 at the gallery’s Westbourne Grove site, the exhibition features drawings and canvases from their latest collection, the Regression series.
The body of work grew out of art therapy sessions the pair undertook during lockdown. Asked to create 60-second sketches of anything that came to mind, The Connor Brothers produced childlike drawings that felt uniquely spontaneous. The rawness and authenticity that emerged from this exercise intrigued the duo, inspiring them to develop these into a series of paintings.
Rendered in a purposefully naïve style, the collection marks a brave departure from their previous controlled graphic approach. Yet, at the same time, the work continues the duo’s passion for pairing images with text.
From rainbow-residing unicorns to seafaring beasts, the fantastical creatures spark the imagination, transporting you to the boundless creative freedom of a childhood mentality. Yet, beneath the playful façade of these impish sketches lie hidden anxieties, compulsions and desires.
Apocalyptic visions and childhood apparitions are juxtaposed with text describing modern trends and obsessions; The Future, Social Media, Cancel Culture. The freedom of a youthful approach allows for a frank and authentic examination of a contemporary society gripped by technology. Stylistically revolutionary and philosophically radical, Mythomania situates The Connor Brothers within a rich tradition of artists like Robert Nava and Jordy Kerwick, who all provide an antidote to our increasingly virtual world.
As humankind shifts ever further towards a collective culture mediated by digital experience, this body of work grounds us in the essential notion that we must return to simpler times.
As part of the exhibition, Maddox and the Connor Brothers have teamed up with Teenage Cancer Trust to offer you the chance to win one of the paintings from the show, Rebel 2022.
The artwork will be showcased at Maddox Gallery Westbourne Grove and a raffle will run online for the duration of the show. To take part, a donation of £50 per entry is required with all funds being donated to the charity.
