The Soul of New York
Alma Rivera

A solo exhibition of black and white film photography. Opening Reception: Saturday, October 10th at 6 - 9pm​

On View October 10th - 31st, 2026​

"Growing up in the South Bronx, I instinctively learned to search for beauty where none was evident.  I would look up past the tall brick buildings to stare at the huge moon or the twinkling bright stars.  Before I ever owned a camera, I would “take pictures" as a little girl by stretching my eyelid and making a clicking shutter sound.  That was my way of capturing the precious moments when I found them. 

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After taking darkroom classes at Queens College, I began shooting black-and-white photos on a Minolta X700—a camera I still use to this day. Though I paused printing after graduation, my desire to return to the craft never left. Last year, I finally built a makeshift darkroom inside my New York City apartment closet using secondhand equipment.

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While the process is challenging and often frustrating, painting on paper with light feels like pure magic. The initial joy of capturing an image on film is entirely magnified the moment I get to bring it to life in print.

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I feel privileged to have been born in the greatest city in the world, my beloved New York City.  We all know how loud and hectic it can be but if you slow down and pay attention, you will see glimpses of the soul of New York." 

@alma.nycpix​

Astoria Art Center 27-02 Ditmars Blvd Astoria, NY 11105