Wilber and Julie Laffin have had a working dialog since 1992. The collaboration Red Gown Perpendicular (1996) took place at the first anniversary of the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago. Laffin is known for her work on female clothing and dresses and much of Wilber’s work involves “ties that bind,” literally and figuratively. The artists have done a number of pieces that investigate being literally tied together. In this piece, wearing a two-person red gown with a 75 ft. conjoined train, the pair served as a red carpet for the patrons who readily played their part. Wilber and Laffin sought to claim the public space in a way that raised questions about the museum’s relationship to artists and about the ownership of public space. They aimed to present an arresting red slice of women and dress that would be powerful and disturbing, providing pleasure and contemplation for the public.