Michael Koster has been working as a photographer in New York for the last 26 years. He has the ability to see the world through a different lens and capture moments that others might miss. Most recently as a visual Storyteller for the Red Cross. I was lucky enough to ask him a few questions about his first solo exhibition, being an East Village mainstayer, and what he does while he’s not behind the camera. Here’s what he had to say.
Clare Gemima: Congratulations on your first show Michael. How did you find your opening reception?
Michael Koster: Amazing! I loved talking to people about the story behind each picture.
Q: Clare Gemima: How did your relationship with Kerri, the founder of EV gallery begin, and why did you choose this space to showcase for the first time?
Michael Koster: I had known Kerri from the neighborhood. She invited me to another photography show, and I loved how the work was displayed on metal. I chose to display my work the same way after I had asked her to look at my portfolio and invited me to show.
Q: Clare Gemima: How often are you shooting, and what sort of images do you generally set out to construct?
Michael Koster: I have my camera on my side almost all of the time – so always – even when I’m home. I’ve always been interested in architecture in NYC. I’ve recently taken interest in people, so who knows what’s next.
Q: Clare Gemima: How has living in the East Village for nearly three decades influenced your photographic work, and its compositions?
Michael Koster: The faces of the East Village are my focus right now…such a diverse group of humans.
Q: Clare Gemima: What is your least, and most successful piece in the show in your opinion? Why, and what would you have done differently?
Michael Koster: I am most proud of Lopud, because I love the colors. The Cleaners I would have left for another show.I just didn’t think it fit in with this particular format.
Q: Clare Gemima: What’s on the horizon for your photographic career specifically?
Michael Koster: I’d like to branch out to combat photography,photographing real time war situations.
Q: Clare Gemima: How do you spend your time when you aren’t behind a camera, and how can people learn more about your work?
Michael Koster: Riding my bike!! You can follow me on Instagram Michael_Koster_Photography
©2022 Michael Koster
Clare Gemima studied Fine Arts and graduated from Whitecliffe College of Arts in Design in 2017. She currently spends her time between making work in the studio and writing a weekly arts column in New York-based publication, EVGrieve.
