Merlin Carpenter: Do Not Open Until 2081

About

In 2009 Carpenter came up with the idea to make new interpretations of a group of paintings from the 1960s by the British artist John Hoyland (1934-2011). Carpenter was drawn to this particular body of work for its engagement with and furtherance of the ambitious large-scale US painting of the time.

Carpenter approached John Hoyland to ask for permission to exhibit his reinterpretations. Permission was not granted. Thus in an attempt to ameliorate complications of copyright these paintings have been wrapped in layers of cardboard.

These new monochrome cardboard works, complete with packing tape and transport labels, continue a line of exhibitions by Carpenter of readymades as paintings. What makes this series distinct is that the owners of these works will be contractually bound to keep them wrapped until 2081.