Deborah Sofferman is "Caught in the Art" at Upcoming Show

Artist and photographer Deborah Sofferman is debuting her newest show, "Caught in the Art," on December 5, with an opening reception on Tuesday November 27.

We had a chance to catch up with Sofferman as she shares her creative process and details of the show, below.

Caught in the Art
@ 92Y, New York City

Nov. 27-Dec. 20, 2018.

Opening Receptions:
Giving Tuesday, Nov. 27th - 12-2PM

Wednesday, Dec. 5th - 6-8PM

Find more about Deborah Sofferman via: https://peoplelookingat.com/

When did you become heavily interested in photography?I have been a photographer for many years now with a background in TV, film and portraiture.

How do you describe your photographic style?

I’m more of a street photographer these days. I’m not as interested in photographing staged scenes but rather the unposed spontaneity of life being honestly lived and shining a light on it for others to see.

When shooting, do you have a theme in mind?

I’ve been driven by capturing the synergistic relationship between art and the person looking at it in my museum docu-series on Instagram @PeopleLookingAt and the “other hand clapping” to it being my upcoming solo show, Caught in the Art. Here, artists working at the studios in the 92Y are caught in the synergy looking at their own art while immersed in creating. When people look at art, they get caught in an unexpected dialogue with art taking the lead. In the twinkling of an eye a new relationship emerges that is synergistic—wonder, curiosity, concentration, awe, confusion, disturbance and even disdain. I have been captivated with this theme for two years now.

When it comes to final product, do you generally prefer black and
white or color?

I appreciate both. When I began I used to only shoot in B&W. But I love color and enjoy showing all the colors of life.

Do you have any influences when it comes to photography?

I was always a great admirer of Brassai, Bresson, Lartigue, Eisenstaedt, Arbus and Lange.

What are your favorite and most inspiring subjects to shoot?

People looking at something that moves them. Emotion. Currently, it’s been art. I’m fascinated with the synergistic relationship between art and the artist creating it or the person looking at it as a viewer.

New York City is one of the greatest in the world for creative inspiration. It has inspired a lot of minds and cultivates unique artistry. What is the best thing about being a creative mind in New York? How does it drive your passion for your work?

As a native New Yorker, I’m fascinated with looking at people—in buses, restaurants, on the streets and more recently, in galleries and museums.
My friend, the late artist, Raphael Soyer, called NYC his country. It’s because it’s a one-of-a-kind place for many reasons and the intelligent energetic humanity is a very appealing factor.

What do you want people to take away from your work?

That in every photo I am hopefully shining a light on an idea worth considering

Do you have any tips or words of advice for upcoming photographers in New York City?

Photograph what you love, what interests and inspires you. Inspiration always translates and love inspires. At least, first for yourself.