SYMPHONY NO 5

Street Compositions

This anthology represents five street photography projects from a musician’s perspective


When I play music I visualise things, and when I make images I often hear music. They complement each other. Both share elements such as harmony, balance, rhythm, and repetition. Both explore what it means to be human. Through this lens, simple scenes become extraordinary, the quiet drama of the personal life becomes art.

Each project consists of about 20 images taken over the last FIVE years in various locations in and around Sydney, India and Hong Kong. About 150 images in total. Australia. I have spent the past 20 years creating aural stories, and the past 5 years exploring street composition. Now I'm excited to combine this artistic journey in my first ever original photo book project! 

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Two music sheet booklets titled 'Symphony No5' by Gavin Libotte placed on a white surface, with a hand reaching out from water splash in the background.

FOREWORD by JULIA CODDINGTON

"I met Gavin during a workshop in early 2023 and was immediately struck by his determination. 
In a short space of time, he has emerged as a photographer with a clear vision. 
From the liquid boundaries of “New Wave” to the dramatic staging of “Street Opera”, from the illusory layers of “Maya” 
to the temporal journey of “42 Days”, his careful observation reveals how simple scenes can become extraordinary.
In Gavin’s photographs I see a unique interpretation of the world shaped by his deep connection to music and his spiritual being. 
Each image he captures reflects not only the essence of our environment but also his personal journey of self-discovery. 
His work embodies the rhythm of human experience, the subtle stories that shape our lives and a relentless pursuit of beauty.

Through Gavin’s lens I am reminded of the transformative power of photography, inviting us to pause and appreciate the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed."