Dieter Roth Collected Interviews

Dieter Roth's interviews are now available in English for the first time, providing a unique insight into his life and thought. The interviews, which were conducted in German and Swiss German, offer surprising and fascinating clues to his life and work. The book includes essential conversations with Irmelin Lebeer-Hossmann and Richard Hamilton, as well as an intimate interview with Patrick Frey just before his death. Roth's interviews were an attempt to depict what happens when speaking, including slips of the tongue and misunderstandings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 616 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2019
Publisher: Hansjorg Mayer

The prolific and diverse artistic career of Dieter Roth (1930-1998) encompassed a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, film, video, music, typography, design, architecture, and literature. Renowned art critic Richard Hamilton hailed Roth as a significant figure in 20th-century art, praising not only his books but also seeking to understand the underlying philosophy that unified his vast body of work. However, the majority of Roth's interviews were conducted in German, with some even in Swiss German. This book presents the first English publication of all thirty-eight interviews, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Included in this collection are essential conversations with Irmelin Lebeer-Hossmann in 1976 and 1979, as well as interviews with Richard Hamilton, which shed light on Roth's artistic vision and approach. The book also features a deeply personal and intimate interview with Roth conducted just a few days before his passing, providing a unique insight into his life and thought.

For Roth, who believed that art should not be harmless but rather reveal the truth, the interviews were an exploration of the spoken word and its complexities. He candidly expressed himself, often without hesitation, allowing his personality and artistic vision to shine through.

This book serves as an excellent introduction to Dieter Roth for anyone seeking to understand the artist and thinker-about-art as well as the human being. It offers a rich and engaging perspective on his life and work, presenting his poems and prose texts in English for the first time. The illustrations throughout the book provide a visual accompaniment to the interviews, enhancing the reader's experience.

In conclusion, the publication of Dieter Roth's complete interviews in English is a significant milestone in the appreciation of his artistic legacy. This book offers a valuable insight into the mind of a visionary artist, providing a glimpse into his life, thought, and creative process. It is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art and the enduring influence of Dieter Roth.

Weight: 1492g
Dimension: 242 x 168 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500970966