Born in Wallingford, Connecticut, Robert Gober studied at Middlebury College and the Tyler School of Art. He gained significant attention in the 1980s for his meticulous sculptures that transformed mundane household items into objects of psychological intensity and displacement.

Gober’s practice frequently centers on the intersection of the familiar and the unsettling, utilizing materials like wood, wax, and human hair to create hyper-realistic replicas. His installations often manipulate architectural space to evoke a sense of domestic unease, challenging the viewer's perception of everyday environments.

His work continues to be featured in major international exhibitions, including institutional surveys that examine the dialogue between contemporary sculpture and historical artistic traditions. His contributions to the field remain central to discussions regarding the legacy of object-based art in the 21st century.