Sophie Rivera: Beyond The Lens — A Panel Discussion
En Foco, Pregones, and the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater are proud to present “Sophie Rivera: Beyond the Lens,” a panel discussion that delves into the life and legacy of Puerto Rican street photographer Sophie Rivera. Organized by En Foco’s President, Bill Aguado, and featuring Marisol Díaz-Gordon, Rocio Aranda-Alvarado, and Nina Kuo, the discussion is part of En Foco’s commitment to preserving the culture and legacy of diasporic lens-based artists.
This initiative, driven by the Nueva Luz Study Center (NLSC), aligns with the current exhibition, “Boricua Lens: Sophie Rivera Portraits,” on display at Pregones/PRTT until April 4, and virtually at enfoco.org.
Sophie Rivera, a longstanding collaborator with En Foco since the launch of the Nueva Luz photographic journal in 1985, is reintroduced to contemporary audiences through this panel discussion and exhibition. The aim is to honor her contributions to American Photography and activism. The recent establishment of the Nueva Luz Study Center has allowed En Foco to expand the information available on Sophie Rivera, offering a comprehensive view of her professional and creative journey.
En Foco extends gratitude to the Estate and family of Sophie Rivera for their support and for granting access to Rivera’s archives and materials.
About the panelist:
Rocio Aranda-Alvarado, part of the Creativity and Free Expression team, joined Ford in 2018 after a decade as a curator at El Museo del Barrio. Marisol Díaz-Gordon, former Program Director of En Foco, is currently pursuing her MFA in Digital Media at Lehman College, CUNY. Nina Kuo, a photographer exploring multicultural issues, has exhibited globally and is part of esteemed collections such as MoMA and the Brooklyn Museum.
About En Foco:
En Foco, Inc., a non-profit founded in 1974, supports U.S.-based photographers of diverse heritages. Through exhibitions, workshops, events, and publications, En Foco provides visibility to underrepresented artists while remaining accessible to underserved communities. The Nueva Luz Study Center (NLSC) has archived issues of the photographic journal since 1985.
About Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater:
Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater is a multigenerational ensemble and arts presenter championing Puerto Rican/Latinx cultural legacy. Through original plays, musicals, and diverse collaborations, they engage audiences and celebrate universal cultural values. Learn more at pregonesprtt.org.
Time: 3:00 — 4:30 pm EST
Free!
