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.