Robert Gober

Artist Robert Gober made this print look like a page from the New York Times, complete with an advertisement for the department store Saks Fifth Avenue. But this is no ordinary newspaper ad—Gober himself models the bridal gown. As a gay man in drag, the artist’s presence acts as a silent but powerful protest against the news item appearing above, which describes marriage discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. In 1992, when this print was made, photographic images were found throughout newspapers and magazines. By calling attention to the image on the page, Gober challenges the viewer’s overfamiliarity with visual media and invites a second look.  

Robert Gober’s work often appears to be something taken from everyday life, but closer inspection reveals evidence of its fabrication. What looks like a newspaper

advertisement here is in fact a photograph of the artist printed on paper made to look like newsprint. The wedding gown he wears, which he also incorporated

into an installation in 1989, was specially made to fit him. Gay and raised Catholic, Gober juxtaposes his selfportrait with an article about the Vatican condoning

discrimination against homosexuals.