Lee Ann Norman critiques Robert Gober's retrospective as self-referential and insular

At the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Lee Ann Norman evaluates "The Heart is Not a Metaphor," Robert Gober's first significant survey in the U.S. The exhibition showcases around 130 pieces, including drawings, photographs, and sculptures, presented in a loosely chronological order. Gober's intricately designed sculptures of everyday items—such as paint cans, ice skates, and cribs—appear recognizable yet are subtly altered, featuring disjointed limbs and non-functional sinks. The exhibition's minimalist design, with bare walls and few contextual panels, is intentional. Norman describes the work as insular, critiquing Gober's reliance on generic interpretations of home and values. She discusses specific installations, including Untitled (1989–1996) and Untitled (2003–2005), questioning their impact and suggesting they lean towards self-indulgence. The review appeared on artcritical.com on November 12, 2014.