Dieter Roth @ MoMA - This too shall pass

The German born Swiss artist, Dieter Roth is known for blurring the lines, literally, between art, literature & printing.  His work encompasses sculpture, books, prints & painting.  He may be best known for using bizarre materials such as chocolate, cheese, sausages & excrement.  To these works my reaction was ooh; not kosher.   However, there was a delightfully boisterous 5 year old in the exhibit who loudly proclaimed "This is the best art, ever."  Which actually corroborated Roth's premise:  "Works of art should change like man himself, grow old and die."  I am obviously an old poopy head while this youngster has a broader perspective on art.  The scope of this exhibit focuses on his innovative works from the late 50's to the yearly 70's.  Admittedly, I was transfixed by his biodegradable works, made with perishable items sealed in plastic showing varying stages of decay.  (But again, ooh, awkward.)  Roth was not concerned with art for its aesthetic.  He was an innovative artist whose works morphed.  He was a poet & a prophet of future technical & literary experimentation.    His books for children were unbound, with opaque & transparent shapes he felt would appeal to children, making them "fantastically bored."  The construction of his mini books were not intended for reading, but as structures in themselves.  His ambigous aphorisms were perplexing, "A tear is as evil as a good word."  Where was that little girl when I needed her?  I was intrigued by the exhibit. I will see go again with a pre-schooler.  I will also re-read Joyce's "A Portrait of an Artist," which Roth referred to Bradbury's "Farenheit 451," which he did not.