Dieter Roth Retrospective at MoMA QNS and P.S.1 Critiqued for Institutional Containment and Conceptual Failures
From March 12 to June 7, 2004, MoMA QNS and P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Queens hosted a significant retrospective of Dieter Roth's oeuvre. Highlights included 'Literature Sausages,' 'Flat Waste,' which comprised 623 binders filled with everyday items, and 'Solo Scenes,' showcasing 128 monitors depicting Roth's daily activities. Additionally, 'Reykjavik Slides' displayed 30,000 images of Reykjavik, while 'Garden Sculpture' featured video monitors documenting its creation. Critics contended that presenting Roth's work behind glass diminished its effect, especially for pieces made from biodegradable materials. The exhibition also featured 'Floor' from Roth's Iceland studio and 'Portrait of the Artist as Birdseed Bust' (1970), with early oil works like 'Self Portrait as Volcano' (1973) receiving criticism for being kitschy.
Key facts
- Exhibition dates: March 12-June 7, 2004
- Venues: MoMA QNS and P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in Long Island City, Queens
- Artist: Dieter Roth (1930-1998)
- Featured works include 'Literature Sausages,' 'Flat Waste' (1975-1976/1992), 'Solo Scenes' (1997-98), 'Reykjavik Slides' (1973-75/1990-1993)
- 'Garden Sculpture' (1968-96) is a 60-foot-long assemblage
- 'Tibidabo' (1978) combines dog sounds, photographs, and drawings
- Richard Hamilton noted Roth's mission to destroy the art market
- Klaus Biesenbach was Chief Curator of P.S.1
Entities
Artists
- Dieter Roth
- Richard Hamilton
- Robert Morris
- Klaus Biesenbach
Institutions
- MoMA QNS
- P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center
- Met
Locations
- Long Island City
- Queens
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Reykjavik
- Iceland
- Monte Tibidabo