Type: Art Installation - Temporary
Program: Exhibition Design
Location: Manhattan
Status: Completed
Brief: Gate 211 Architecture provided consulting services for Sotheby's auction house, designing and coordinating this temporary installation set.

Robert Gober's "Untitled (Man in Drain)" sculpture was created in 1993-1994 and is one of his most iconic works. The artwork depicts a life-size human figure lying in a shallow drain set into the gallery floor. The figure's head and shoulders are partially in the water.

The level of detail in the sculpture is astonishing, with every aspect of the figure's anatomy meticulously crafted. Using actual water further enhances realism, giving the impression that the figure is in a real drain.

The meaning of the sculpture is open to interpretation, but many critics have suggested that it represents a metaphorical expression of feelings of vulnerability, powerlessness, or entrapment. The drain itself may symbolize societal oppression or the emotional depths of the human psyche.

"Untitled (Man in Drain)" is a powerful and thought-provoking work that exemplifies Gober's ability to create sculptures that challenge viewers to confront their deepest fears and desires.