On the occasion of his exhibition at the Bigaignon gallery in Paris, Ralph Gibson shares his connection to music.
Everyone knows much about your photography, but much less about your passion for music. Where does it come from, and why the guitar?
I started with the guitar at age 13, four years before photography. I have always had a guitar nearby but did not get deeply serious until about 20 years ago. I began an extended study of theory and harmony with the intention of discovering how much personal music I could produce.
Who do you look up to in music? Who influences you? What music do you listen to?
I adore the music of Morton Feldman. He makes it clear that a totally personal sound is the highest goal to pursue. After years of going to avant-garde clubs and concerts of all sorts I have come to think that only contemporary classical music gave me total satisfaction.
You said: “Music is a universal language; all art strives to be music”. What do you mean?
The actual quote I made was that “All art strives to obey the conditions of music”. This means that like music, art, should have universal components, to be understood by every one on the planet. In French there is a word: “exigence” (exigency). I love this word in the context of music and photography.
What links do you see between your photography and your music?
Reality is to photography as melody is to music. I want to be on the edge of both media.
Since the 1970s you’ve done it all, seen it all, and yet, it seems to us that you keep renewing yourself over and over again, and you are proving it once more with this special exhibition opening this week at Galerie Thierry Bigaignon, so, what’s up next?
Throughout my entire creative career, I have said and told myself: “I want to give all my potential.” This is a powerful form of motivation that from time to time is briefly satisfied. The Muse gives us just enough to make us want more.
Ralph Gibson, “Vu, Imprévu”
17 March – 12 May 2018
Galerie Thierry Bigaignon
9 rue Charlot
75003 Paris
France
