LOCATION: OHSH SOUTH
GUEST CURATORS: TOM CARDWELL AND JUAN BOLIVAR

14.12.23 - 22.12.23

WHERE ART BECOMES MERCH AND MERCH BECOME ART

Merchbau presents a selection of artworks and artist’s multiples as an exploration of the intersection between artwork, merchandise, spectacle and gallery. The title references Kurt Schwitters’ Merzbau, an evolving installation packed with sculptures that itself became a total artwork, before it was destroyed by bombing in 1943. Merch stands are a common fixture at gigs and form a key part of metal music culture. Fans collect merch to show their allegiances, and merch sales are an important income stream for musicians following the decline in sales of recorded music.

ARTISTS:
Jon Cardwell, Nicky Carvell, Tom Cardwell, Martyn Cross, Karen David, S Mark Gubb, Jonty K Mellmann, John Stark, Mark Titchner, Sue Webster