Matthew Brennan IV, a Providence, Rhode Island based painter who operates under the moniker "Two Thangs," is an artist whose work bridges the bold defiance of punk rock with the vivid accessibility of pop art. His latest endeavor, a book that encapsulates his artistic journey, promises to engage readers with its honest reflection of a life steeped in creativity and rebellion. Having transitioned from the raucous world of touring punk bands to establishing a unique niche in the art community, Matthew Brennan's trajectory is as colorful and impactful as his artworks.
Matthew Brennan's roots in punk rock are foundational to his approach to art. Growing up in the vibrant punk scene of Washington, D.C., he was immersed in a culture that valued DIY ethics and community-driven efforts. "I grew up punk rock, as they say. I was probably 14 or 15 when I first started getting into the bands of my area... it informed me, especially that time, it was very kind of DIY," Brennan recalls. This early exposure to punk culture not only influenced his musical taste but also his artistic methodology, instilling a do-it-yourself ethic that he carries into every brushstroke.
At the core of Matthew Brennan's artistic philosophy is a deep-seated belief in community and collaboration, echoing the communal ethos of punk rock. His work is a dialogue with his audience, crafted from a blend of their ideas and his artistic vision. "That's kind of part of the point of the book... it's not just one thing and anybody, hopefully exactly it's it's hundreds of things. It's all of the things. It's anything and everything," he explains. This inclusive approach challenges the often-elitist nature of the art world, making art accessible and participatory.
The Two Thangs book is a narrative of community, creativity, and the evolution of a project that began as a simple concept, a collection of images, and grew to encompass a vast array of ideas and expressions. "I think people, especially when they just get the elevator pitch, they initially kind of gravitate towards an idea of celebrity, which is fine and I enjoy working with, but then people have dug deeper and seen the different places the idea has gone." he remarks. And they’ve taken the work sometimes political or sometimes provocative, but always personal. Through the pages, readers are invited to explore the diverse range of contributions that have shaped his art, making the book a dynamic exploration of creative expression.
Looking ahead, Matthew Brennan is eager to continue evolving his artistic practice while remaining true to his punk rock roots. His forward-thinking approach is about pushing boundaries and continually engaging with new ideas and communities. " I mean, I grew up punk rock... So I saw that in the idea of going out, creating your own fortune, working outside of set systems, and how that could be beneficial and harmful, and also, just like the idea of creating community, I think, small community of weirdos, of people that didn't fit in correctly. And that's always what I was drawn to. One would be part of it, and what I wanted to kind of help grow with this thing," he states. His future endeavors include expanding his audience, exploring new artistic mediums, and further integrating the principles of punk rock into the fabric of his work.
Matthew Brennan, IV’s journey from punk rock road dog to renowned pop artist is a powerful testament to living one's truth through art. His work challenges us to reconsider the boundaries between different art forms and cultural movements, urging us to find beauty in the unconventional. As he continues to inspire and provoke, his path is a beacon for anyone aspiring to make art that is true to themselves and resonant with a broader community, proving that we own our narratives, letting each of us move from someone that slogs at a day job and pushes their passion at night- a project manager who plays bass, or a paralegal who paints, to becoming their passion. It only takes some talent and a willingness to work for it…oh HEY, that’s Two Thangs.