Photo By Gail

American artist Robert Gober (b. 1954) meticulously hand-makes his objects rather than purchasing them. Often, he and his team of studio assistants will use traditional art-making techniques or materials. The aim is not to imitate an object exactly, but to create a sensation of something recognizable yet strange. Such is the case with Dog Bed (1986–87).

A dog basket is a place where a dog sleeps and dreams – possibly about subjects such as the ducks depicted in the hunting imagery- patterned fabric of the cushion, which was hand-painted. Gober taught him himself hand-weaving as a form of physical rehabilitation after he injured his hand while woodworking.

The flip side of the dog bed bears the dedication For Sandy 1983–87  in remembrance of the dog owned by gallerist Paula Cooper, whom Gober used to look after during the summers.

Photographed in the Tate Modern Museum in London