Gibson, Ralph | Ducktail / Quadrants, 1975 — available on Composition Gallery

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VIntage AP

Ducktail / Quadrants by Ralph Gibson, created in 1975, is a gelatin silver print that presents a meticulously composed rear view of a person’s head and neck, with hair styled in a sleek, symmetrical ducktail. The sharp focus on the back of the head, contrasted against a brick wall, emphasizes the structure and texture of the hair and adds a geometric quality to the composition. Gibson’s use of high contrast and precise framing transforms the simple subject into an intriguing study of form and symmetry. The carefully styled hair and the stark background create a sense of stillness and formality, while the close-up perspective brings an element of abstraction, encouraging viewers to contemplate the interplay between identity and anonymity.

Ralph Gibson (United States, 1939) is an American photographer renowned for his high-contrast black-and-white images that blend surrealism and abstraction. His work often features geometric elements and explores the interplay between light and shadow. Gibson has published over 40 photobooks and received numerous awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship.

Ralph Gibson

Ducktail / Quadrants, 1975

Name: Ducktail / Quadrants, 1975
SKU: 5641
Price: 4850.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Form

Photography

PhotographyPhotography is the process of creating an image on light sensitive materials. The image is produced by using a camera, which has a lens that focuses on light either reflected or emitted from an object. These visible wavelengths are used to reproduce the image seen.

Medium

Gelatin Silver Print

Gelatin Silver PrintA silver gelatin print is a type of photographic print made using the silver process. In this process, photographic materials such as black and white films and printing papers are coated with a light-sensitive emulsion of silver salts suspended in gelatin. This emulsion is applied to a support, which could be flexible plastic, glass, resin-coated paper, or baryta paper. The materials are light-sensitive and remain stable under normal storage conditions, making them ideal for long-term preservation.

Edition

Edition of 25 + AP

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●Inventory 5641

●On verso

●Comes with gallery invoice and certificate

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First you study photography, then you practice photography, then you serve photography, and finally one becomes photography.
- Ralph Gibson

Ralph Gibson (b. 1939 USA) is an acclaimed American photographer known for his striking black-and-white photography that blends surrealism, abstraction, and the human form. Gibson's work is characterized by its strong contrasts, geometric compositions, and a focus on the interplay of light and shadow, often creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity. He has a unique ability to capture the sensuality of everyday objects and scenes, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. Gibson’s photographic style is both minimalist and richly textured, often evoking narratives that are open to interpretation. His books, such as The Somnambulist and Déjà-vu, are considered classics in photographic literature. Throughout his career, Gibson has consistently pushed the boundaries of photography, making a significant impact on the medium and influencing generations of photographers with his distinctive vision. (Artist website)

Artwork by John Baldessari

What is conceptual art?

Sometimes referred to as Conceptualism, this is an art form where the idea(s) or concept(s) behind the work take precedence over material concerns and traditional aesthetics. Many conceptual artworks can be created by anyone simply by following written instructions. The concept or idea is the most essential aspect of the artwork.

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Ralph Gibson

Ducktail / Quadrants, 1975

50.8 x 40.64 cm

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Ralph Gibson