Merlin Carpenter
Encyclopedia
Merlin Carpenter is an English
visual artist. Writing in Frieze
art critic Katie Sonnenborn stated that a recent exhibition "continued his nuanced critique of the condition of contemporary art-making," and that, "working within the framework of the gallery, he presented a suite of canvases that cast doubt on current systems of cultural reception and consumption."
and Julian Schnabel
. Carpenter promotes in his paintings what he calls the "de-subjectivation of the brush stroke", and with this is his exploration into what he has called "overdetermined imagery" such as fashion photography. In his art Carpenter also marks out the differences and parallels between art and non-artist luxury items. Carpenter is represented in London by
Simon Lee Gallery and in Miami by Formalist Sidewalk Poetry Club.
, among others. Its aim was to produce a critical analysis of the contemporary London art world. The poster studio disbanded in 1996.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
visual artist. Writing in Frieze
Frieze (magazine)
-Publication:frieze is published eight times a year and is based in London. As well as essays, exhibition reviews and columns by forward-thinking writers, artists, critics and curators, the magazine includes music reviews, artist projects, interviews and sections on design and...
art critic Katie Sonnenborn stated that a recent exhibition "continued his nuanced critique of the condition of contemporary art-making," and that, "working within the framework of the gallery, he presented a suite of canvases that cast doubt on current systems of cultural reception and consumption."
Artistic practice
After graduating from Saint Martins School of Art in 1989, Carpenter has gone on to exhibit in 29 solo shows, and 48 group shows between 1989 and 2007. Carpenter's paintings can be seen as deeply ambivalent. His style is heavily influenced by artists like Jackson PollockJackson Pollock
Paul Jackson Pollock , known as Jackson Pollock, was an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. During his lifetime, Pollock enjoyed considerable fame and notoriety. He was regarded as a mostly reclusive artist. He had a volatile personality, and...
and Julian Schnabel
Julian Schnabel
Julian Schnabel is an American artist and filmmaker. In the 1980s, Schnabel received international media attention for his "plate paintings"—large-scale paintings set on broken ceramic plates....
. Carpenter promotes in his paintings what he calls the "de-subjectivation of the brush stroke", and with this is his exploration into what he has called "overdetermined imagery" such as fashion photography. In his art Carpenter also marks out the differences and parallels between art and non-artist luxury items. Carpenter is represented in London by
Simon Lee Gallery and in Miami by Formalist Sidewalk Poetry Club.
The Poster Studio
In 1994 Carpenter set up an experimental art space in London named "Poster Studio" with fellow artists Dan Mitchell and Nils NormanNils Norman
Nils Norman is an English artist. He is "known for combining wacky invention with a vision of how cities should be used [and] has developed his own mix of art and activism." In 2007, his work was on show at Tate Modern in the Global Cities exhibition, his presentation featured a series of posters...
, among others. Its aim was to produce a critical analysis of the contemporary London art world. The poster studio disbanded in 1996.