Gibson, Ralph | The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987 — available on Composition Gallery

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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.

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

The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987

Name: The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987
SKU: 5644
Price: 3000.00 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 5644

●On verso, with annotation

●Comes with gallery invoice and certificate

●Sell Us a Similar Artwork. Learn more.

Vintage AP print - with annotation on the verso

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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

The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987

35.56 x 27.94 cm

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Ralph Gibson