The Connor Contemporary Art Gallery's Q&A with Alexandra Gallagher 'To bring you even closer to the creative minds behind the art, we’ve launched a brand-new Q&A series featuring conversations with our showcased artists. Through these candid sessions, we uncover their journeys as individuals and creators—exploring their unique processes and sources of inspiration. Read on for their thoughtful responses to a series of curated questions. Our thanks go out to each artist for sha

The future of the art world, challenges or opportunities?? Candice Tripp As we welcome a new year of creativity, we also recognise the very real pressures facing the art world right now. The ongoing cost of living crisis has reshaped the landscape for artists and creative professionals, driving up the price of materials, studio spaces, and everyday essentials. For many, simply covering the basics has become an ongoing challenge. Artists are increasingly forced to make tough c

Artists on Artists - Is there a piece of art or artist that changed your life? - Laura Tinald - David Downton Prince by Laura Tinald 'To delve deeper into the artists we showcase, The Connor Contemporary has created a new interview series that uncovers the stories and inspirations behind their work. This month, we’re zeroing in on one powerful question: “Is there a piece of art or an artist that changed your life?” We’ll be sharing their candid responses and exploring how the

Will AI have a negative or positive affect on the world of art?   In this blog, we’re exploring one of the most exciting questions in the art world today: how AI is reshaping the way traditional art is created. AI is already transforming everyday life for billions of people—just look at how tools like ChatGPT are assisting with everything from letters and blog posts to résumés and academic work. Now, we’re seeing the same momentum in the studio. Exceptionally skilled AI artis

Buying art online has changed the game for collectors. It’s convenient, accessible, and offers a wider range of choices than ever before. You don’t have to travel to galleries or fairs to discover new artists. Instead, you can browse collections from your living room, compare prices, and even get pieces delivered straight to your door. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to explore emerging artists and unique styles that might not be available locally. Plus, many onl

Divine Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead) - Quick Bio Divine became a prominent figure in independent cinema, particularly through their work with John Waters. Some of the most notable films include: Courtesy of www.imdb.com Divine Quotes by Divine: Laura Tinald - About the Artist Laura is a Birmingham-based artist who predominantly works in ink and pencil on paper. She brings her subjects to life through intricate detail, bold lines, and loose ink. Laura loves both old and new

Women in Art by Women of Art - Kathrina Rupit (KinMx) Kathrina Rupit aka KinMx is a visual artist living between Dublin, Ireland and Tulum, Mexico. Born in the north of Mexico, Kathrina graduated from the University of Visual Arts in Nuevo Leon.  Kathrina began painting murals in the early part of her life. After university, she ventured to travel outside of Mexico on her own, surviving by selling her art on the streets and eventually landing in Ireland, settling in Dublin, s

Shamsia Hassani mini prints arrive at the gallery!! The Connor Contemporary Art Gallery holds profound admiration for the work of Shamsia Hassani, whose powerful imagery calls urgent attention to human rights abuses in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on gender apartheid. Shamsia’s work is visually stunning and deeply moving—each piece is as exquisitely beautiful as it is courageous and thought‑provoking. About the artist: Born April 1988, Shamsia is the first female graf

Shamsia Hassani - Shining a light on gender apartheid through art! Gender apartheid refers to the economic and social discrimination against individuals based on their gender or sex, enforced through physical or legal practices that relegate them to subordinate positions. It is characterized by systemic oppression, segregation, and exclusion of women and girls from public life, education, and political participation. The term is often used to describe the situation of women a

Some suggestions when purchasing icons in art? Savia and Cox Framers in Kent Look for how the artist captures not just physical likeness but the subject's energy and spirit Notice how iconic imagery from music is reinterpreted through different artistic mediums Consider how cultural icons like Debbie Harry transcend their original context to inspire new creative works Reflect on your own emotional connection to both the music and the artwork Some icons from Laura Tinald   The

Laura Tinald - 'Debbie Harry's Eyes' part of our icon series! Debby Harry Bio: Debbie Harry (born July 1, 1945, Miami , Florida , U.S.) is an American singer-songwriter who fronts the new wave band Blondie , which gained prominence in the late 1970s with chartbusters such as “Heart of Glass” (1978). Known for her signature platinum blonde hair and distinctive blend of feminine allure and fearless song writing, she is regarded as one of the most revolutionary women in rock ,

A Closer Look at the Creative Minds Behind the Art To bring you even closer to the creative minds behind the art, we’ve launched a brand-new Q&A series featuring conversations with our showcased artists. Through these candid sessions, we uncover their journeys as individuals and creators—exploring their unique processes and sources of inspiration. Read on for their thoughtful responses to a series of curated questions. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each artist for sharing th

Questions and Answers with Paul Connor from The Connor Contemporary a) When did you first realise that you wanted to become an collector of art and then own a gallery? For as long as I can remember, I’ve not only collected art but drawn profound inspiration from it. My admiration for artists runs deep, and I am convinced that art is such a powerful medium that it can genuinely transform culture for the better. Art is a vivid flash of the human spirit, speaking to the very hea

Women in Art by Women of Art - Alexandra Gallagher Award winning artist Alexandra Gallagher is a British multidisciplinary artist, who's work takes the form of collage, street art, prints, painting and mixed media. Alexandra's work celebrates the surreal and sublime. ­Between the realms of memory, dreams and experience, her work often telling a surrealist story of inner imagination and thought, with a strong focus on the feminist narrative. Each piece created is visceral and

Women in Art by Women of Art - Candice Tripp Candice Tripp is a South Africa born artist living in the North East of England. At 21 her darkly humorous paintings caught the eye of a local gallery who provided the platform for her first solo show. At 22 her work was being exhibited in LA. child-like subjects pluck at adult themes in paintings whose narrative provide all the answers one could expect to find on single page torn from a picture book.  As a self taught painter, h

What are the 7 Forms of Contemporary Art? Understanding the different forms of contemporary art can help you appreciate the variety and creativity you’ll encounter in modern art venues. Here are seven common forms: Painting - Still a dominant form, contemporary painting often experiments with new materials and styles. Sculpture - From traditional materials like stone and metal to found objects and mixed media. Installation Art - Large-scale, immersive works that transform

Women in Art by Women of Art - Lora Zombie 'Goodbye' Lora Zombie (b. 1990) was set on becoming an artist at very early age. The self-taught artist first gained recognition in the late 2000s as her work circulated online, reaching millions of people through blogs, news outlets, and social media. Since then, Lora has developed into a top seller on the urban art scene with exhibitions in London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, Russia and more, bringing in the int

Tips for Caring for Your Art Collection Alexandra Gallagher Once you’ve found the perfect pieces, it’s important to care for them properly. Here are some simple tips: Avoid Direct Sunlight     UV rays can fade colours over time. Keep Away from Damp Areas     Moisture can damage canvases and paper. Use Proper Hanging Hardware     Ensure your art is securely mounted to avoid accidents. Dust Gently     Use a soft, dry cloth to clean frames and surfaces. Consider Professional Fra

Thinking about your first urban or contemporary art purchase? Here’s a straightforward checklist to help you buy art with confidence. 1) Look at materials and technique — ask what the work is made from and how it was made; that tells you about durability and care. 2) Check edition size and signatures — smaller editions and artist-signed pieces usually hold value better. 3) Confirm provenance and condition — a clear history and condition report reduce risk. We vet every artist

When I first started exploring the world of contemporary art, I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety and styles available. Finding the right piece to add to a collection or simply to enjoy at home can feel like a journey. But it’s a rewarding one. The UK, with its vibrant art scene, offers plenty of opportunities to discover unique modern artworks. Whether you’re new to collecting or have a seasoned eye, I want to share some practical tips and insights on buying modern art pi

Discovering the Artist Within a) When did you first realise that you wanted to become an artist? Growing up, I never knew that being an artist could be a real thing. I was born in a country where most artists need another job to make a living. As the granddaughter of immigrants, I was raised in a traditional environment where pursuing art seriously wasn’t encouraged. So, I never had a big “realization” moment. It just kind of happened while I was doing other things. b) Is the