Roth Time

More about the book

Sculptor, poet, diarist, graphic designer, and provocateur, Dieter Roth is celebrated as an artist's artist. Renowned for his distrust of art institutions—famously calling museums "funeral homes"—he was also generous to friends and collaborative in his approach, often involving family in his art. Roth defied the expectations of galleries, which struggled to exhibit his work more than once, as he rejected notions of permanence in art. He sought to dismantle his formal art education by creating systems that challenged convention, drawing with both hands simultaneously and embracing the discarded. His materials included grease stains, mold, and rotting food, chosen for their textural qualities and ability to reveal the passage of time. With a philosophy of "more is better," Roth's prolific output spanned everything from sketch pads to everyday objects, believing all could be art. This retrospective marks the first major exhibition of his work since his death in 1998, showcasing five decades of drawings, graphics, books, paintings, and more. The publication serves as a window into Roth's creative world, reflecting both his vision and his era. The exhibition is organized by the Schaulager, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Museum Ludwig, Cologne.