Over the past three decades, Robert Gober has established himself as one of the most important artists to emerge from the U.S. This makes his upcoming retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art a highly anticipated event. More than 130 works from the artist will be on view, highlighting the broad spectrum of his media. “Robert Gober: The Heart is Not a Metaphor” has gathered drawings, prints, photographs and the artist’s renowned installations all under one roof. It is the largest exhibition of Gober’s work to date.
Robert Gober, Untitled, Wood, beeswax, leather, fabric, and human hair, 1991.
Robert Gober splits his time between artist and curator. An obsessively thorough approach can be witnessed in his demonstrated commitment to both tasks. Gober’s gentle manner provides great contrast to his self admitted “perverse nature.” His work operates in similar fashion. Subtle details abound in his deliberately simple environments that rely on the familiar while engaging his peculiar eccentricities.
Robert Gober, Untitled, Paper, twine, metal, light bulbs, cast plaster with casein and silkscreen ink, stainless steel, painted cast bronze and water, plywood, forged iron, plaster, latex paint and lights, photolithography on archival (Mohawk Superfine) paper, twine, hand-painted forest mural, 1992.
Chief curator Ann Temkin and Assistant Curator Paulina Pobocha worked closely with Robert Gober on this primarily chronological retrospective. Input from the artist is felt from room to room and will color the structure of Gober examinations long into the future.
Robert Gober, Leg with Anchor, Forged iron and steel, beeswax, cotton, leather, and human hair, 2008.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a three week course that promises to piece together a sense of the art historical factors influencing Robert Gober’s artistic enterprise. For those seeking more, the class “The Metaphor Is in the Medium” begins November 12th and is available at a discount to members of the museum.
Robert Gober, Untitled, Aluminum-leaf, oil and enamel paint on cast lead crystal, 2005-2006.
“Robert Gober: The Heart is Not a Metaphor” will be on display at the Museum of Modern Art from October 4, 2014 through January 18th, 2015.
Robert Gober, Untitled, Wood, beeswax, brick, plaster, plastic, leather, iron, charcoal, cotton socks, electric light and motor, 1994-1995.
Robert Gober: The Heart Is Not a Metaphor
4 October 2014 – 18 January 2015
The Museum of Modern Art
NYC
Images courtesy of The Museum of Modern Art.
