Leica Announces the Opening of the Gibson | GoEun Museum of Photography

TGR Staff - 12/12/2022

Leica is excited to announce the opening of the Gbson | Goeun Museum of Photography, which celebrates the work of American photographer and Leica Hall of Fame Inductee, Ralph Gibson.

Gibson is an American photographer known for his distinctive black-and-white images, which often feature geometric compositions and abstract forms. He began his career as an assistant to the renowned photographer Dorothea Lange, and went on to establish himself as one of the leading figures in contemporary photography. Gibson's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Leica Hall of Fame.

The Gibson | Goeun Museum of Photography is the world's first museum entirely dedicated to the life work of Ralph Gibson, boasting a collection of over 1,000 photographs. A comprehensive look at Gibson's life, process, and work, the museum will hold items such as Leica cameras and lenses, personal photos, letters, published works, books, and musical instruments.

Gibson's 2022 winning photo for Leica Camera Photo of the year

"Since master photographer Ralph Gibson's first exhibition at the Goeun Museum of Photography which brought considerable attention in Korea, the link between the Goeun Foundation and Ralph Gibson was further strengthened via a medium of France," states HyungSoo Kim, Chairman of the Goeun Foundation. Hyungsoo Kim and Ralph Gibson were both awarded the French Legion of Honor and the chairman has worked as an honorary counsel of France in Korea.

The opening exhibits are The Black Trilogy, open through March 31st, 2023, and Salon Littéraire, open through December 31st, 2022. The first exhibition, The Black Trilogy, showcases Gibson's most acclaimed style with over 120 black and white gelatin silver prints. Distinguished for his daring subject matter and technical mastery, his images value positive and negative space equally. The second exhibition, Salon Littéraire, is shown in conjunction with the release of his newest publication, Salon Littéraire 1971-2022. This collection brings into question cultural influences reflected in Gibson's art, beginning with his first trip to France in 1971.

"The Gibson/ Goeun Museum provides me with an opportunity to function as a bridge between Western and Eastern photographic vision," remarks Ralph Gibson. "We come full circle from the point of departure with the opening of this cultural institution, celebrating the way we see and interpret the language of light."

Gibson won the first-ever Leica Picture of the Year award in 2021, using the Leica M11. Through this award, there were 50 limited edition prints distributed, available for purchase exclusively through Leica Galleries.