Sound, 1936, Will Connell, gelatin silver print. Getty Museum, Gift of Trish and Jan de Bont. © Will Connell Sound, 1936, Will Connell, gelatin silver print. Getty Museum, Gift of Trish and Jan de Bont. © Will Connell

Though photographs are silent, photographers have long conjured sound in their images. Whether depicting crowded urban spaces, musicians performing, people engaged in conversations, or even more abstract depictions of sound, the pictures in this exhibition show photography’s power to communicate beyond the visual. The images date from the 19th century to the recent past, and in each, the audible plays as much of a role as the visual. As you look at these photographs, you are invited to imagine what you might "hear" as well.

Selected Works

MOBILE APP

Join the curator on a tour of the exhibition and listen to short musical compositions by contemporary artists in response to select photographs.

Available in English and Spanish.

Experience the free audio tour on your mobile phone. Download the GettyGuide app. Bring your earphones and join GettyLink for free Wi-Fi during your visit.


Enrich your visit with free audio tours. Download the GettyGuide app

MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS


Listen to unique musical microcompositions by contemporary composers in response to select photographs, available in-gallery with the GettyGuide app. You can also experience the audio through our online playlist and read about what inspired the music.


Experience the audio through our online playlist

Exhibition Resources

Discover more about the works featured in the exhibition.

Object Checklist

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