The subject of Paul Oberst's work is the architectural "temple" (imagined sacred space) reduced to a cube with a passage through and a chimney-like projection on top. In a sense, each temple is a portal or device for aesthetic meditation. Early in his career, Oberst developed temple environments that were explored on the exterior sculptural form or in graphic studies, dance costume/set designs and museum site-specific installations. Currently, Oberst is exhibiting temples, objects that might appear within the imagined temple interiors, site specific installations, as well as, photographs with collaborator Patrick McNamara. The artist's intention is to create works that speak to primal, ancestral and contemporary human longings for mystery and ritual. Oberst's pieces are in private, foundation, corporate and museum collections. His work has been shown in gallery, university and museum exhibitions.