Dieter Roth: Souvenirs

Beat Keusch

Hardcover | 27.5 x 1.7 x 36.5 cm | 152 pp | 127 images

Hatje Cantz | 2011 | 9783775728188

Text in English and German. English translations of image captions are listed at the end of the book.

Dieter Roth (1930-1998) is regarded as one of the last century's most important all-around artists. His uncompromising approach to reality seems even more current than ever. In the sixties, his treatment of materials previously alien to art (such as food) and his unorthodox printing techniques rang in a new understanding of materials.

He soon began a unique exploration of the notion of the Gesamtkunstwerk in sprawling assemblages and installations that consumed increasingly more space. Roth was at the centre of a close-knit network of companions who not only took an active interest in his work, but who also became part of its genesis. This book presents evidence of these cooperative efforts, as well as gifts - many of which have a dedication or are labeled as souvenirs to friends and fellow artists, such as Richard Hamilton and Martin Suter.