Ralph Gibson – The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987 – Gelatin Silver Print
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.
Artwork Copyright © Ralph Gibson
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.
Artwork Copyright © Ralph Gibson

Ralph Gibson

The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987

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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.
Artwork Copyright © Ralph Gibson
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.
Artwork Copyright © Ralph Gibson
Ralph Gibson – Cards (from L' Histoire de France), 1991 – C-Print

Ralph Gibson

Cards (from L' Histoire de France), 1991

Photography

C-Print

USD 2,500

Ralph Gibson – Nude / Negative (from In Situ), 1989 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Nude / Negative (from In Situ), 1989

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

USD 3,000

Ralph Gibson – The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

USD 3,000

Ralph Gibson – Nude / Light (from Infanta), 1986 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Nude / Light (from Infanta), 1986

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

USD 3,000

Ralph Gibson – Torso (from Chiaroscuro), 1984 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Torso (from Chiaroscuro), 1984

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

USD 3,000

Ralph Gibson – Ducktail / Quadrants, 1975 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Ducktail / Quadrants, 1975

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

USD 4,850

Ralph Gibson – Stocking (from In Situ), 1970 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Stocking (from In Situ), 1970

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

USD 3,000

Ralph Gibson – Infanta, 1993 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Infanta, 1993

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

Currently Not Available

Ralph Gibson – Tropism L'anonyme, 1981 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

Tropism L'anonyme , 1981

Photography

Gelatin Silver Print

Currently Not Available

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What is conceptual art?
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 – Gelatin Silver Print

Ralph Gibson

The Main Act (Self portrait), 1987

35.56 x 27.94 cm

Est. 2005 — twenty years of collecting, online.