NORTH CIRCULAR
Merlin Carpenter - Opening Ceremony

NORTH CIRCULAR, Merlin Carpenter – Drawing on Marx’s theories of value, production and accumulation within the capitalist system, the great strength of Merlin Carpenter’s art lies in an incisive analysis of the future of « artistic critic » within that very system: not only is this form of criticism now condemned to serve as an example of development for liberal capitalism, but, caught in its own vice, and however much it stigmatises or denounces, it acts directly in its favour, according to the artist. Thus, Merlin Carpenter’s projects are each an opportunity to respond to the various crises punctuating the recent history of capitalism, even if these crises force a conceptual shift upon them, sometimes leaving them entrenched in contradiction.

Aware that this political and economic system always emerges from such crises stronger rather than weaker, Merlin Carpenter therefore seeks another way to maintain a degree of artistic and intellectual freedom. Drawing on a conceptual and self-reflective approach to painting, which he combines with installations, and a strong presence of ready-mades that echo the consumable nature of art and the exploitation of the artist, Merlin Carpenter’s art relies more on its own logic and conceptual rigour than on a recognisable formal language.

On the occasion of his solo exhibition at La Salle de bains, which will take place during the 18th Lyon Biennial, Merlin Carpenter’s project will continue to explore the commercial objectification of artworks and the notion of readymade. Merlin Carpenter’s exhibition at La Salle de bains will be accompanied by a publication featuring a text by Benoît Lamy de La Chapelle. This new text will analyze Merlin Carpenter’s work through the lens of painting practice, tracing the trajectory from his initial response and reaction to painting to his recent positions within the medium.

Benoît Lamy de La Chapelle