Rubber Stamp Box repurposes the graphic alphabet that Roth had codified in MUNDUNCULUM, the previous year. In this work the artist invites the audience to participate in his ongoing exploration of the relationship between language and image. Each of these symbols is interchangeable with a letter or word, and they can be used to “write” visual poems. In addition to the twelve rubber stamps, ink, and ink pads, the box houses an instruction manual and a unique stamp drawing by Roth, which serves as an example. The stamp designs include symbolic images—such as a heart, a hat, and a motorcycle—that Roth used repeatedly, with varying meanings, throughout his career.

Watch Dieter Roth and Dr. Ira G. Wool discuss Rubber Stamp Box.