Ralph Gibson’s exhibition runs 19th December 2012 to 24th February 2013
Ralph Gibson was born in Los Angeles, California in 1939. He served as a photographer’s mate in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960. After his service he studied painting and photography at the San Francisco Art Institute from 1960-61. During that time he worked as a printing assistant to photographer Dorothea Lange. In 1963 he moved back to Los Angeles. Between 1967 and 1969, Gibson assisted Robert Frank on the film, Me and My Brother. In 1969 Gibson moved to New York, where he formed Lustrum Press in order to exert control over the reproduction of his work.
Gibson is best known for his works published in book form. In 1970 he published The Somnambulist, followed in 1972 by Deja-vu, and in 1974 by Days at Sea. These works established Gibson’s career in creative photography. Since the early 1970s Gibson’s works have been published in over 18 books, several through his own Lustrum Press.
Gibson claimed Henri Cartier-Bresson, William, Klein, and Robert Frank as influences, and this is evident in his work from the 1960s. A shift in Gibson’s work appears in the 1970s as he creates surreal images, often used in his books such as Deja-vu. This style continues in Gibson’s work into the 1980s when a stronger formal quality enters his work. Throughout his career, Gibson’s fascination, even obsession with women is evident.
Gibson lives and works in New York City.
Enjoy viewing a selection of his work at gold street studios