The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987

Vintage AP print - with annotation on the verso // The Main Act (Self Portrait) by Ralph Gibson, created in 1987, is a compelling gelatin silver print that combines surreal elements with portraiture. This vintage photograph presents Gibson himself in two distinct profiles positioned above and below a large, spectral hand silhouette that dominates the center of the composition. The oversized hand, rendered in stark white against the darker background, creates a surreal and almost theatrical atmosphere, while the contrasting images of Gibson add a contemplative, introspective layer. This arrangement evokes themes of identity, presence, and perhaps the notion of the artist’s hand as an extension of self. Gibson’s use of high contrast and minimalistic framing invites viewers into a dialogue on the role of the artist in their own work, blending mystery with self-reflection. Show Less