Hat Ring
The object comprises a jewelry brass box containing one gold ring and five interchangeable components in the form of hats that can be attached to ring’s top. Each hat is cast in a different metal, including silver, copper, brass, and iron. The ring itself is formed in the shape of a face, with the word "DIETER" etched on the exterior. Thus, the implication is that the ring is a self-portrait of the artist who may appear in various guises.
A major figure associated with both the Fluxus and Neo-Dada movements of the postwar period, Dieter Roth brought radical experimentation and innovation to making multiples, including prints, artist books, editioned sculpture, mail art, and jewelry. A distinguishing feature of his practice was the notion of creating unique variants within a discrete series. Hat Ring set is a prime example of a multiple with built-in variation: in making the edition, Roth interchanged the metals used in casting each hat with the result that within the series no two sets are alike.
A major figure associated with both the Fluxus and Neo-Dada movements of the postwar period, Dieter Roth brought radical experimentation and innovation to making multiples, including prints, artist books, editioned sculpture, mail art, and jewelry. A distinguishing feature of his practice was the notion of creating unique variants within a discrete series. Hat Ring set is a prime example of a multiple with built-in variation: in making the edition, Roth interchanged the metals used in casting each hat with the result that within the series no two sets are alike.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hat Ring
- Artist: Dieter Roth (Swiss, Hanover 1930–1998 Basel)
- Date: 1971
- Medium: Brass, iron, copper, silver and gold, and synthetic velvet
- Edition: 7/10
- Dimensions: Box: 2 × 4 × 6 in., 2.2 lb. (5.1 × 10.2 × 15.2 cm, 997.913g)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, Bequest of Gioconda King, by exchange, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.112a–g
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
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Multiple artists/makers
1968
Dieter Roth
1973
Dieter Roth
1973
Multiple artists/makers
1971
Multiple artists/makers
1972
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