House of illustration / King’s Cross
Mac Conner is an illustrator who was most prolific in 1950s New York. He is known as one of the original ‘Mad Men’ from a time when the advertising and publishing industries were booming – tapping into American mass culture and selling the good life.
The post-war 50s advertising industry was all about creating a world people longed for – where the characters depicted are enjoying the fruits of a booming economy. Conner created surreal scenes of people living the dream, couples drinking cola, men playing tennis and driving fast cars, women perfectly manicured, hair fixed, lipstick red.
The magazine’s articles and stories were a little darker, playing on the insecurities of the human mind, our obsession with other peoples lives and revenge. These types of stories demanded a darker depiction by Conner.
He produced hundreds of brilliant and characterful artworks for magazines such as the The Saturday Evening Post and Good Housekeeping as well large scale works for billboard campaigns.
This intimate exhibition encompassing 4 rooms of original paintings, mass-produced adverts, old photographs and a short film bring the life of this modern master to life. It’s the first exhibition of his work in the UK plus, the guy is still alive at 101 years old! Head down and let the good times roll!
OPEN:
Tues-Sun / 10AM-6PM
Until 28 June
PRICE: £7 / £5 Concessions
A 15-minute walk from CLINK
www.houseofillustration.org.uk
Images © Mac Conner
