Sterling Ruby's soft sculptures emerge from a unique intersection of materials, themes, and cultural commentary, deeply engaging with the aesthetic of the abject and the formality of the pristine. Ruby's approach to soft sculpture involves the use of fabric and fiber fill to create forms that are at once inviting and unsettling. His pieces often feature large, pillow-like forms, with some specifically designed to resemble the gaping mouths of vampires, complete with fabric fangs and blood drops, evoking a sense of insatiable hunger and latent violence. This visual metaphor extends Ruby's critical examination of American culture and politics, weaving together the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue with imagery that suggests darker undertones of power and consumption​ (Artsy)​​ (Artbma)​​ (Artbma)​.

Presented at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Ruby's provocative exhibition titled "Front Room: Sterling Ruby" showcased these enormous soft sculptures, highlighting his critical outlook on the state of American culture. The use of fabric in such an imposing scale challenges traditional notions of cultural symbols and public monuments, inviting viewers to reconsider the commanding authority these symbols hold within society​ (Artbma)​​ (Artbma)​.

Ruby's work, encompassing a wide range of media from ceramics to textiles, reflects his multidisciplinary approach, often addressing oppressive political, social, and artistic structures. His soft sculptures, in particular, serve as a stark contrast to his other works, demonstrating a unique interplay between the brutality of materials like metal and polyurethane and the soft, often playful nature of fabric. This duality is a hallmark of Ruby's artistic practice, offering insights into the complexity of contemporary life and the many forms that art can take in its reflection and critique of society​ (Artsy)​.