Conor Collins
Artist

Conor Collins is a self-taught Manchester-based contemporary artist whose paintings explore identity, memory, visibility and the stories that shape how we see one another. Working across portraiture and figurative painting, his practice brings together pop culture, archival research and personal history to create works that are both visually striking and socially engaged.
 

At the heart of much of Conor's work is a belief that painting can be an act of remembrance. His portraits celebrate people and communities that have too often been overlooked, challenging assumptions about identity, history and belonging while inviting viewers to look more closely.

Conor's practice is deeply rooted in queer history. Drawing inspiration from archives, performance, politics and contemporary culture, he creates paintings that examine how individuals are represented, remembered and, sometimes, erased. His work asks whose stories are preserved, whose are forgotten, and how art can help reclaim them.
 

Recognised as one of the UK's emerging contemporary artists, Conor has exhibited internationally and has appeared in publications including TIME Magazine.
 

Whether painting iconic figures, members of the LGBTQ+ community or individuals whose stories deserve renewed attention, Conor seeks to create work that encourages conversation rather than certainty. His paintings invite viewers to question how we construct identity, how history is recorded and what it means to truly see another person.
 

Alongside his studio practice, Conor continues to develop new exhibitions, public projects and collaborations, creating work for galleries, institutions, collectors and commissions across the UK.