At Home With Conor Murgatroyd
Conor is a Bradford born artist specialising in painting who is rapidly gaining traction in the art world. His work takes in a wide variety of influences from Rene Magritte’s early 20th Century surrealism to a love of Rottweiler dogs. Currently based in South East London we visited Conor’s eclectically decorated flat with photographer Theo Cottle. We styled him in our latest selection of early 1990’s deadstock CP Company & Stone Island pieces and got to know more about his practice.
What was it like growing up in Bradford?
I would say it was quite fun but difficult at times. I left when I was 17 to further study art in London. I knew it had to be the capital where I could further progress as a painter. I often think of my childhood at a lot and what type of effect that has had on me as a person, I guess I’m still coming to a conclusion on that.
How did you discover painting?
I discovered painting at Leeds College Of Art when I was studying a BTEC right after leaving school. I had a very influential tutor who really illuminated painting as something I could do that would be fruitful and worthwhile, whilst also displaying that a painter didn’t have to adhere to a cliche.
Your work makes a lot of traditional historical art references along with contemporary UK cultural imagery, what made you connect the two?
I believe to truly understand our present we must understand the past first. For me to ruminate my experience through painting, I couldn’t just do that if I purely focused on contemporary imagery and themes. The majority of my favourite art and painters are deseased and I take a lot of influence from events in history that I find significant also. unifying the past and present is something I’ve always done for myself mainly to help me understand the world, my paintings are the tool that helps me do that.
How long have you been a full time artist and what were your doing previously?
I have been working full time now consistently for the past year and half, but I started initially back in 2011. I took time out after finishing my BA at Chelsea College Of Art in 2016 and worked mainly in construction for 4 years until recently when I really decided to dig my heels in and develop my practice, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made hands down.
What or who are your biggest influences and inspirations?
My family is my main influence and inspiration! My love for them drives me in my life in general. As well as fashion art and some music.
How would you define your style, artistically and personally?
Personally, classical menswear is my main style foundation. I have always loved old Italian style, around the 60-2000s. I also take influence from some niche parts of history I’ve been exposed too, one era old Yugoslavia, their politicians they had the best suits. Artistically some of my favourite artists I hold in the highest esteem are Henri Fantin Latour, Renoir, Magritte, Edward Hopper, Degas and a lot of Renaissance art.
Where do you see yourself and your work in 10 years?
Hopefully me and my family are healthy and happy. My work I hope too will have evolved even more and be at a place where it is strong and powerful, that I can look back on it when it comes to the end of my life and be proud of it.
A limited edition run of 25 signed and numbered copies of Conor’s print Magritte & Moncler will be available to purchase from our site this Friday 26th November 2021 at midday 12.00 GMT.
Photography: Theo Cottle
Styling: Josh Barber-Cruz
Interview: Ollie Evans
