Robert Gober’s work weaves the experience of his own life into political and social events in his painstakingly constructed and disconcertingly illusionistic reproductions of objects, such as sinks and wallpaper, or body parts, such as men’s legs. In these humorous but deeply serious statements, Gober uses a wide variety of often unconventional materials to achieve precise effects: an everyday object—a sheet of plywood, for example—might be made of something completely unexpected. Gober has worked closely with Christian Scheidemann, a well-known conservator who has assisted many artists, devising solutions to problems encountered in fabrication as well as to subsequent conservation issues. Gober and Scheidemann discuss the artist’s working method, his choice of materials, and his close involvement in every stage of the production process. After their conversation, Anne Gunnison, Assistant Conservator of Objects, moderates a question-and-answer period. Followed by a reception.



Generously funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation.