
Details
Artist
Styles
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.
The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987
form
Medium
Size
35.56 x 27.94 cm
- Inches
- Centimeters
Edition
Price
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
Details
Artist
Styles
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.
- Recently Added
- Price (low-high )
- Price (high-low )
- Year (low-high )
- Year (high-low )
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.