What we make of our environment and how we have “tamed” it

Martin Roth can be seen as a pioneer of the highly active contemporary art-activist scene, advocating for environmental preservation in the name of climate protection.

The artist, born in Graz, who passed away far too early (1977–2019), studied and lived in his adopted home of New York, where his site-specific installations and interventions explored the dynamic relationship between art, humanity, and nature. With a sensitive eye for analysis, a humorous approach to satire, and a powerful voice, he made socio-political issues the focus of his artistic work. Human-induced changes to nature and ecological upheavals, in particular, captured his artistic curiosity.

In addition to his site-specific installations, Roth’s legacy includes a rich body of early work, meticulously archived. Though he kept it under wraps during his lifetime, it nevertheless guided him along his chosen artistic path. From the very beginning, social criticism and socio-political themes were central aspects of his work. His art often revolved around the value or price of each individual, each living being, and each object. What is the cost of a human being, what is the cost of nature? This leads us to the question that is more relevant today than ever: at what price…?

Martin Roth’s parents, Hans and Margret Roth, are now offering a glimpse into his extensive early works. This provides insight into his entire artistic journey and shows how his early creations influenced his later, inspiring masterpieces, which hold a mirror up to society. With works such as “In July 2015, I shipped rubble from the Syrian border to use as bird litter,” Roth’s art even offers a vision of the future.

Curated by Tanja Prušnik | Source: Künstlerhaus Wien

• Handout (PDF)