The Connor Brothers 🇬🇧 Mike Snelle & James Golding

[Quinnster]

Funny a brader gallery's has been hyping this article...

[Sic]

Thanks Wiz for the good read. Always the man for the inside scoop.

[Swiss Alan]

Oct 11, 2014 14:35:52 GMT 1 sgolby said:

Oct 11, 2014 14:29:32 GMT 1 Swiss Alan said:

Ok, I wasn't aware of that. I can obviously see your point. I've bought a number of pieces and they've all turned up. Obviously if that had happened to me then I would have the same opinion.

I'd disagree it's a con. They made art and sold it under a pseudonym. Happens all the time whether that's artists or writers. The art is still real. Look at banksy is he a con. Apparently no one knows who he is - I know plenty of people who know who he is. It's in their best interests not to say to protect the value of their art work.

NO NO NO.  Pseudonym is a made up name.  This is a made up story created in order to generate a buzz and sell a product at a higher price. 

Just like the made up story that no no knows who Banksy is keep his prices sky high?

[thomasmer]

Golding, the only person who can turn the suffering of millions into a story about his own addiction.



The man just does not know when to stop lying and conning.

[Deleted]

I've always had time for Mike but his long running association with James Golding after events at Leonard Street will continue to force me distance myself from any venture they are jointly involved in.

I've made my feelings on this clear in a post on the Telegraph article, although I had to resist my natural instincts to really vent.




Thanks @wiz …

I wish I could say it was a cathartic process, but it still makes my blood boil.

[Swiss Alan]

Oct 11, 2014 14:44:20 GMT 1 Zippy said:

Oct 11, 2014 14:29:32 GMT 1 Swiss Alan said:

Ok, I wasn't aware of that. I can obviously see your point. I've bought a number of pieces and they've all turned up. Obviously if that had happened to me then I would have the same opinion.

I'd disagree it's a con. They made art and sold it under a pseudonym. Happens all the time whether that's artists or writers. The art is still real. Look at banksy is he a con. Apparently no one knows who he is - I know plenty of people who know who he is. It's in their best interests not to say to protect the value of their art work.

You really do talk sh1t.

You stick up for a conman when it has been clearly documented in the media and on this forum that he has ripped off artists, charities and collectors. 

Then you have the cheek to try to justify this by saying 'look at banksy is he a con'. How the f11ck can you compare him in the same breathe as Anderson? He has sold works well under market price to keep his fans happy. He has done wonderful work fundraising / helping charities ie sightsavers.

The only similarity with Anderson and Banksy is that they share 3 letters in their name.   

Relax. I'm not sticking up for anyone.  If people have been ripped off that's clearly wrong.  I hadn't seen that I don't have time to read every thread on this forum.

I'm sure Banksy is not a con - I was mearly asking the question.  I'm sure that Banksy is a perfectly good person (I had heard that). However the story that no one knows Banksy is.  As plenty of people do, they just don't expose the full story to protect their investments.   Does this make the art world a con?

[sgolby]

Oct 11, 2014 14:43:24 GMT 1 Swiss Alan said:

Oct 11, 2014 14:35:52 GMT 1 sgolby said:

NO NO NO.  Pseudonym is a made up name.  This is a made up story created in order to generate a buzz and sell a product at a higher price. 

Just like the made up story that no no knows who Banksy is keep his prices sky high?

Of course some people know who Banksy is... However to be honest, whether he was outed or remained in the shadows his art would still be worth significant money.

You my friend are way too forgiving here, and quite frankly the reason con men like this are able to continue to make money.  Pucker up buttercup I am sure plenty of people out there are willing to take advantage of you...

Lastly, I was simply correcting your use of a word.  Pseudonym is a made up name or alias.  It is not a completely made up person or persons complete with backstory.

[Deleted]

Oct 11, 2014 14:44:10 GMT 1 thomasmer said:

Golding, the only person who can turn the suffering of millions into a story about his own addiction.



The man just does not know when to stop lying and conning.

He certainly has made a difference to the lives of many people….

[johnnyh]

Oct 11, 2014 14:43:24 GMT 1 Swiss Alan said:

Oct 11, 2014 14:35:52 GMT 1 sgolby said:

NO NO NO.  Pseudonym is a made up name.  This is a made up story created in order to generate a buzz and sell a product at a higher price. 

Just like the made up story that no no knows who Banksy is keep his prices sky high?

But people do know who Banksy is and there is no hiding his reasons etc. likewise he worked his way up as an artist on the street etc before things happened to his prices etc.

this on the other hand is basically fraud. I would pretty much bet that they are outing themselves with all this sad story stuff to offset the fact that someone was in the process of exposing it all as a bit of a con. So I would imagine that's what's gone on...likewise all the bits about we called the galleries to tell them it's us and they did not mind...on the contrary I bet they were well pissed off at the con  etc etc

most people do like their artists to be artists as opposed to conmen me thinks the game is up and people will be offloading as we speak....eg is it now just worthless...be interesting to see

[eschiff]

interesting read thanks @wiz  must admit, i didn't know who the connor brothers were either till i read it.

but i used to know mike a bit from black rat, always enjoyed chatting with him about art and was always accommodating, though i obviously never had an idea about his struggles.  I never met james.

[mojo]

Oct 11, 2014 14:29:32 GMT 1 Swiss Alan said:

I'd disagree it's a con. They made art and sold it under a pseudonym. Happens all the time whether that's artists or writers. The art is still real. Look at banksy is he a con. Apparently no one knows who he is - I know plenty of people who know who he is. It's in their best interests not to say to protect the value of their art work.

Absolute complete and utter tosh.  How you can even compare their actions to the likes of Banksy is beyond ridiculous.  Even writers that use pseudonyms have a successful body of work behind them and often use one to see if their work is still received in a positive way, not to con anyone.  And as for the "plenty of people that know who Banksy is" they perhaps keep quiet out of respect and has nothing at all to do with the value of the artworks that Banksy has been producing and selling for around 15+ years! 

Not even in the same stratosphere

[mouser]

odious fuckers

[Gard]

I own a painting by these guys and I haven't decided yet what to think of this.

The part about a guy that painted the pieces doesn't upset me at all. Jeff Koons haven't touched any of his paintings for years. Damien Hirst says in his interviews that he made horrible spot paintings, but he have an assistant that makes the best. The debate here is whether the one with the idea or the one that paints is the artist? I think the one with the ideas is the artist. Look at Mr. Brainwash, yeah I know, not a good example for most of you, but he's the definition of an idea man, but still an artist.

When I was a part of Galleri GEO we exhibited some paintings by Matt Jones. He made a fictional story about a space archeologist who got inspiration from the ruins of a post apocalyptic earth. Matt Jones was the artist, but he created a story about how they were made by someone else and what inspired them. Something similar has been done here, only difference is that they wasn't honest with their galleries and fans from the start. That's the part I don't know what to think of.

I'm left with a canvas that I still think is great. The artist isn't the one I thought they were, but does it really matter? I see that a lot of people on here have had some bad experiences with these guys and that worries me, will they continue to do this when they have made their money? If they keep it up and continue to make works as The Connor Brothers I think I will be happy.

[Deleted]

Money or morals money or morals money or morals

[Chrisp]

Now their art has found a fan base through lies they suddenly want to come clean and take in the fame and wealth with a good old sob story. Obviously they couldn't hold it anymore before people found out and that's why we get the story.

[sgolby]

Oct 11, 2014 15:55:18 GMT 1 Gard said:

I own a painting by these guys and I haven't decided yet what to think of this.

The part about a guy that painted the pieces doesn't upset me at all. Jeff Koons haven't touched any of his paintings for years. Damien Hirst says in his interviews that he made horrible spot paintings, but he have an assistant that makes the best. The debate here is whether the one with the idea or the one that paints is the artist? I think the one with the ideas is the artist. Look at Mr. Brainwash, yeah I know, not a good example for most of you, but he's the definition of an idea man, but still an artist.

When I was a part of Galleri GEO we exhibited some paintings by Matt Jones. He made a fictional story about a space archeologist who got inspiration from the ruins of a post apocalyptic earth. Matt Jones was the artist, but he created a story about how they were made by someone else and what inspired them. Something similar has been done here, only difference is that they wasn't honest with their galleries and fans from the start. That's the part I don't know what to think of.

I'm left with a canvas that I still think is great. The artist isn't the one I thought they were, but does it really matter? I see that a lot of people on here have had some bad experiences with these guys and that worries me, will they continue to do this when they have made their money? If they keep it up and continue to make works as The Connor Brothers I think I will be happy.

I appreciate you comments, however i have a very traditional view on this.  The artist is the one with the ideas and the execution.  Otherwise they are a creative director, with a team of illustrators.  Anyone who works at an ad agency and has catchy ideas can be an artist??? Sorry, but if this is the case anyone with and idea can be an artist.  I am just not ok with that.  

[Deleted]

They were the ideas guys though, cut out speech bubbles from comics stick them on old mag covers and get a guy to paint it, make up a fictional Xfactor style endearing story and sell the product. Theres easier ways to make money than an honest days work....aint that the truth.

[delano]

I also bought one of these, & like Gard, this article does not change the way I feel about the work. It looks good & is perhaps now a more interesting piece in my collection than it was yesterday.

I liked it & bought on the strength of the image & not the backstory of the artists.

However, what I don't like is the way these guys seem smug & happy with what they have done. They set out to deliberately con people, & have raked in thousands along the way.

But in the long run, the consequences of what they have done will effect them & their lifestyle more than it ever will me & mine...

[Deleted]

Oct 11, 2014 16:03:28 GMT 1 @badrobot said:

Money or morals money or morals money or morals

erm money, right?

Do I win a fiver?

[Deleted]

One of them said they didnt believe people would buy a work because of the story, as art dealers they would know very well the importance of an artists story, they understood how the art market worked from the inside and used that knowledge. 

[thomasmer]

Oct 11, 2014 15:55:18 GMT 1 Gard said:

I own a painting by these guys and I haven't decided yet what to think of this.

The part about a guy that painted the pieces doesn't upset me at all. Jeff Koons haven't touched any of his paintings for years. Damien Hirst says in his interviews that he made horrible spot paintings, but he have an assistant that makes the best. The debate here is whether the one with the idea or the one that paints is the artist? I think the one with the ideas is the artist. Look at Mr. Brainwash, yeah I know, not a good example for most of you, but he's the definition of an idea man, but still an artist.

When I was a part of Galleri GEO we exhibited some paintings by Matt Jones. He made a fictional story about a space archeologist who got inspiration from the ruins of a post apocalyptic earth. Matt Jones was the artist, but he created a story about how they were made by someone else and what inspired them. Something similar has been done here, only difference is that they wasn't honest with their galleries and fans from the start. That's the part I don't know what to think of.

I'm left with a canvas that I still think is great. The artist isn't the one I thought they were, but does it really matter? I see that a lot of people on here have had some bad experiences with these guys and that worries me, will they continue to do this when they have made their money? If they keep it up and continue to make works as The Connor Brothers I think I will be happy.

Are you mad, they don't give two shits about the art other than it makes them a quick buck, they'll be bored of it soon, just like their 'galleries' which either went bankrupt or they sold off when they saw it wasn't working, you'll be left with a worthless piece, which if you like isn't a problem, but personally I like to support and artist and follow them, see them grow along with their work.

If I bought a piece from an artist and was later told it was by two guys who run galleries and the back story was a total lie, I'd want my money back!

[curiousgeorge]

Article is a work of fiction


How dare they use addictions and mental illness as a reason for all the bullish!t!!!!!!

I've heard what smelly thinks of his 'customer base' being within earshot whilst he was laughing at the customers.Smelly I remember what you didn't do the night of LTS release, I remember the lies you told on that night.

Still, they made a sh!tload of dough that night

phucking stains

Edit: According to another partner in  crime business.When they were approached about holding the Subway Art anniversary party/release, they didn't have a clue about the book nor it's authors or the Artists!!!!!.But we'll do it anyway and earn a few quid.Fake ass deviants

[Dr Plip]

Oct 11, 2014 16:46:15 GMT 1 @andy3636 said:

One of them said they didnt believe people would buy a work because of the story, as art dealers they would know very well the importance of an artists story, they understood how the art market worked from the inside and used that knowledge. 

Like Waltons Fine Carpets and their attempt at artist creation. Only for the Jonas Brothers, it worked. Briefly. Maybe still does.

[Deleted]

Oct 11, 2014 17:14:04 GMT 1 curiousgeorge said:

Article is a work of fiction


How dare they use addictions and mental illness as a reason for all the bullish!t!!!!!!

this

[mojo]

Anyone seen the movie CATFISH?  If you haven't its well worth a look. 
Its quite disturbing.

[Momo]

I never like the stuff anyway so I imagine some of the buyers may have been lured in by the idea of profit and basically been conned..

Just seems disgusting but caveat emptor is extremely important in art.. That's why this forum is so important in helping expose and bringing attention to this s#1t...

So what's the value of the "Connor bros work now"??

Can't wait for the Bambi expose hahaha

[curiousgeorge]

Worse yet fellow gallerists are still thick as thieves with these two.Despite ripping them to shreds verbally (depending on the audience)

Such a nasty bag of self-interest

I know the said gallerist sh!t himself when the sh!t hit the fan and he off-loading a certain artist because he got frightened after being offered a walk up a dark alley.

Dirty bastids all in it together..London-centric freaks

[Dr Plip]

Oct 11, 2014 17:47:14 GMT 1 mojo said:

Anyone seen the movie CATFISH?  If you haven't its well worth a look. 
Its quite disturbing.

Yeah and yeah.

[johnnyh]

Knowing the art world they will probably go up in price next week!!

[Dr Plip]

Oct 11, 2014 18:09:00 GMT 1 johnnyh said:

Knowing the art world they will probably go up in price next week!!

Ain't that the truth...