Exploring Rock’s Iconic Guitars: Kane Hibberd Discusses Scale and Style
ut how playing in different cities can make the same guitar sound different. The memories of writing a hit song, playing a show, or receiving a guitar as a gift are all deeply intertwined with the instrument itself. Each mark, scratch, or dent tells a story of its own.
Scale highlights this emotional connection between musician and instrument by presenting each guitar as a work of art in its own right. By zooming in on the minute details of each instrument, Hibberd allows viewers to see the wear and tear, the sweat stains, the fingerprints — all the signs of a guitar being loved and played. The life-sized prints bring the guitars to life in a way that a traditional exhibition could never achieve.
What sets Scale apart is the inclusion of audio stories from the artists themselves. As viewers walk through the exhibition, they can hear firsthand accounts of the significance of each instrument. From the funny anecdotes to the heartfelt memories, these stories add depth and context to what would otherwise be just a visual experience. Hibberd’s decision to include these audio clips adds another layer of intimacy to the exhibition, allowing audiences to feel even closer to the guitars and the musicians who wield them.
One of the most striking aspects of Scale is the individuality of each guitar. Despite being the same make and model, no two guitars look alike. Each one carries the marks of its owner, the wear patterns unique to the way they play, the memories etched into every scratch. By focusing solely on guitars, Hibberd underscores the personal nature of these instruments and the bond between musician and guitar that transcends time and space.
In a world where music is often consumed digitally, where the physical connection to instruments is lost in the digital age, Scale serves as a reminder of the tangible, tactile nature of music. Each guitar on display is not just a piece of wood and strings, but a vessel for emotion, memory, and creativity. As Hibberd himself says, “I’m trying to get people to reconnect with the music’s past by showing how tangible and real these amazing artists are and were.”
Scale is not just a photographic exhibition; it is a celebration of music, art, and the deeply personal connections we form with the objects we cherish. By bringing these beloved guitars out of the shadows and into the spotlight, Hibberd invites audiences to experience music in a whole new way — through the hands and hearts of the musicians who brought these instruments to life.