Celebrated American photographer Ralph Gibson has surprised fans by venturing into music with the release of his debut single "Altar Boy," marking the beginning of an unprecedented artistic project that combines his iconic photography with original musical compositions. The track, now available on major streaming platforms, represents the first glimpse into Gibson's ambitious "Vu, Imprévu" series, which reimagines fifteen of his most famous photographs through the lens of music.
The "Vu, Imprévu" series emerged from Gibson's unique vision to reinterpret his emblematic photographic works by composing original music for each image. Created in 2018, this extraordinary project presents rare double-works that include framed silver gelatin prints paired with handwritten musical scores and MP3 files. These one-of-a-kind pieces were recently showcased at the prestigious Venet Foundation and have been featured in a dedicated book published by IKKI Books.
Gibson, best known for revolutionizing visual vocabulary in the 1970s with his groundbreaking Black Trilogy including "The Somnambulist" (1970), "Déjà-Vu" (1973), and "Days at Sea" (1974), brings decades of musical experience to this project. The artist discovered his passion for guitar at age 13, picking up his first camera four years later at 17. Throughout his career, Gibson has maintained that he remains "an eternal apprentice," continuously learning from both instruments that have shaped his artistic journey.
The complete album featuring all compositions from the "Vu, Imprévu" series is scheduled for release on October 31, 2025, through Melmax Music and Bigaignon publishers. Each musical piece corresponds to photographs taken between 1968 and 1990, with all compositions specially created, performed, and recorded by Gibson himself in his New York studio. This release offers art enthusiasts and collectors an unprecedented opportunity to explore a completely new dimension of the American master's creative genius.
The project provides a fresh perspective on some of Gibson's most iconic photographic works, allowing audiences to experience his visual art through an entirely different sensory medium. For those interested in acquiring the unique photography and music editions, availability can be confirmed through direct contact with the artist's representatives. The "Altar Boy" single is currently available for streaming on all major music platforms.
