All photographs that appear in this article are by Deborah Sofferman

Through the ages, the art of portraying the personalities and moods of their fellow artists in portraiture has held enormous fascination for artists and art aficionados alike. Famous painters created portraits of artists, writers, actors, dancers, and musicians, many of whom were their close friends. Their works of art have informed us of the endearing camaraderie and inimitable human bond shared between artists.

In the 19th century the advent of photography completely altered portrait painting. This new medium provided portrait artists and their models with a different kind of image that paint on canvas could not achieve. Photography introduced to this genre a new reality, immediacy and honesty to capturing a subject.

However, few contemporary photographic artists have succeeded in capturing the synergy between the artist and their art as well as Deborah Sofferman. Her one-person exhibition “Caught in the Art” takes place at the 92nd St Y, 92y.org, in New York City, NY. In this exhibition Sofferman takes the art of capturing artists in the process of creating to a new level.

Sofferman’s solo exhibition, from November 27 – December 22, 2018, consists of candid photographs she has taken of the artists who create art in the 92 Street Y Art Center. She portrays a variety of rare close encounters when the artist is totally immersed in their artistic activity. Sofferman illuminates a myriad of intense expressions and sensibilities. Through her talent and sensitivity the human being behind the art and the creative spirit are brought to fruition.

As Sofferman states, “I enjoy bringing viewers into the realm of being an observer in a very private moment in the artist’s creative process time.”

Sofferman prefers to use her iPhone to photograph her subjects and explains, “I like the immediacy. I always have the iPhone with me and am less likely to miss the shot. As a ceramic artist myself, I understand first-hand the process of being motivated by the desire to actualize an image from within.”

She emphasizes, “In these photos, there’s more than the just visual component you see. There’s everything around and behind it: the pull of the artists’ interest to be captured by their art, the obstacles they face in getting to the studio, their willingness to give themselves to the task. And now, for this exhibit, to share themselves…. “Caught in the Art.”

Accompanying Text Enhances The Visual Experience
This compelling exhibition offers another interactive dimension in the form of text. Sofferman has collected quotations from several of the 92 St. Y Art Center artists. For instance artist Nancy S. explains, “When I’m not working with art I get depressed. I always work with my hands. It brings me peace and joy.”  Karyn G. states, “My pottery work allows me to clear my mind, like meditation. I’m quietly trying to solve problems when I’m working.” Stacey R. says, “I enjoy creating things people enjoy using and I like the camaraderie.”

“Capturing the Creative Spirit”
This is the first photography exhibition presented by the 92nd Street Y and the topic is unique for many reasons. As Emily Coyne, Manager of the 92Y Art Center, explains, “We are grateful to Deborah for capturing the creative spirit found in the 92nd St Y Art Center’s studios. This exhibition allows us to share the joy of art-making found in all of our studios. Our student artists and designers find their voice, passion, and mastery of skill in our studios. The dialogue students create with their artwork, instructors, and fellow students greatly enrich their lives outside of the studio.”

The affinity Deborah Sofferman has for the 92nst Y Art Center and the artists is reflected in her statement: “I’d like to thank the 92nd Street Y, especially, the Art Center for their support, enthusiasm and vision. And I’m immensely grateful to these wonderful artists who freely allowed me to witness their process.”

All photographs from “Caught in the Art” will be available for sale. The artist will donate the proceeds to the 92nd St Y’s Art Center program.

Location and Viewing Hours
The 92nd Street Y is located at 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY.

The viewing hours for the exhibition are:  Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM- 7:30 PM; Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Receptions
There will be two receptions and opportunities to meet the artist. One on November 27th, 12:00-2:00 PM to commemorate “Giving Tuesday”, a program initiated by the 92nd Street Y in 2012. The other reception will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 6:00-8:00 PM.

About Deborah Sofferman

Deborah Sofferman lives and works in New York City, NY. Prior to creating fine art photography she worked as a freelance photographer for CBS-TV, and major television programs and celebrities. As a ceramic artist, she has exhibited at Art Basel Miami with Castle Fitzjohns Gallery, NYC and received the First Place Award from the Silvermine Guild, CT. Her art has appeared in the Power of Attorney, a Reality Television show and is found in numerous private and public collections.

The inspiration for her “Caught in the Art” series in part can be traced back to when she posed for renowned artist Raphael Soyer. “We became friends and while he was painting me I was looking right back at him and noticing his expressions. I was first inspired by that exchange which I now experience when photographing artists in the midst of creating their art.”

View Deborah Sofferman’s  photographs at peoplelookingat.com

Visit Deborah Sofferman’s website devoted to her ceramic art: deborahsoffermanstudio.com