About Sam Dobrow
The Artist
Sam Dobrow is an innovative fine art photographer who seamlessly blends the technical and imaginative realms of his craft. His unique artistic voice, developed over a lifetime of curiosity and exploration, navigates the intricate landscapes of photography. Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, Sam was raised in the tranquil beachside community of Ormond Beach, where the gentle whisper of the sea became the backdrop to his early inclinations toward science and experimentation. His childhood, rich with quiet introspection and a passion for discovery, saw him exploring the marvels of biology, weather, and electronics, drawing inspiration from the fantastical worlds of Star Trek and engaging in numerous science experiments in his parents’ garage.
A pivotal moment in Sam’s adolescence was the establishment of a wet darkroom by his father in their home, sparking his burgeoning interest in photography. Initially seeing photography as a technical craft, Dobrow’s perception evolved at the University of Florida under the influence of Jerry Uelsmann, where he began to push the boundaries of photography beyond its conventional documentary limits.
Sam’s technical expertise was honed through an educational path that initially diverted into business. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA, embarking on careers in technology and sales with major corporations like The Coca-Cola Company and Dun and Bradstreet Software. The pursuit of financial stability, rather than art, defined his early career. However, the advent of digital photography aligned perfectly with his desire to rekindle his artistic passion. This drew him back to academia at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he immersed himself completely in fine art photography.
His artwork is inspired by the tranquility of the natural world and the vast concepts of the universe juxtaposed with human existence. Influences from Impressionism and Surrealism, notably from artists like Vincent van Gogh and Salvador Dalí, are evident in his work. His admiration for portrait and fashion photographers, such as Richard Avedon and Patrick Demarchelier, also informs his approach to people photography.
Sam’s exhibitions have enchanted audiences from New York City to Paris, Venice, and beyond. His pieces are often distinguished by their intricate technical precision and imaginative surrealistic leanings. At the heart of his distinctive art is a dynamic duality: an adherence to technical excellence intertwined with the freedom of imaginative exploration. He meticulously perfects his photographs using software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop before embarking on a journey into surrealism, using digital tools to push the traditional boundaries of photography.
One of Dobrow’s crowning achievements is the Oceana Series within his Surreality Collection. Utilizing the Liquify tool, he distorts and transforms images into visionary fantasy worlds. These creations not only bring him personal satisfaction but also resonate with audiences eager to explore the boundaries between photographic realism and artistic abstraction.
His work is regularly showcased in prestigious galleries and museums, including the permanent collection at the Yukyung Art Museum in South Korea, and exhibited at globally renowned events such as Miami Art Week and the New York Art Expo. Acclaimed as a prolific figure in photography and digital art, Dobrow’s numerous accolades, including multiple awards from the Black & White Spider Awards, Epson International Pano Awards, The Biafarin Unrestricted Cash Grant, and a feature in Current Masters Volume 6, further cement his standing. Sam has served for three different years as judge for photography and digital art at the prestigious Coconut Grove Arts Festival.
Now retired from technological ventures, Sam Dobrow’s career is driven by an unwavering dedication to portraying the beauty, joy, and sensual pleasures of life, deliberately eschewing the darkness often pursued in contemporary art. His vision is to inspire and uplift, advocating for art as a transformative force within society. Aspiring to expand his influence, he envisions his creations in permanent museum collections and private holdings, continuing to enrich the artistic landscape with his vibrant, evocative imagery.
Representation
Sam’s artwork is represented and exhibited nationally and internationally by:
Exhibits
Group Exhibition, photoMIAMI, Miami Art Week Gallery, Miami, FL (December 7-8, 2024)
Group Exhibition, Miami Art Week VIP Reception, Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables, FL (December 2, 2024)
“Windows to the World” and “Surreality”, Wirtz Gallery, South Miami, FL (solo November 2024)
Group Exhibition, Artifact Gallery NYC, (December 2023)
Group Exhibition, Grimandi Art Gallery, NYC (November 2023)
Yukyung Art Museum, Geoje, S. Korea, Permanent Collection, “Grounded Angel” (Nov 2022)
World Art Dubai – Dubai, UAE – NFT Exhibition (March 2022)
Kcüll Artist Cooperative – Coconut Grove, FL (solo Feb – Mar 2021)
Atlanta Celebrates Photography – Semiweekly Artist Talk (Oct 2020)
Venice Biennale, Galleria d’Arte Spazio Tempo – Italy (June 2019)
ArtExpo – New York City (April 4-8 2019)
The Gallery @ Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami, FL (solo May 24, 2018)
Confidante – Miami Beach, FL (solo exhibit April 5 – May 31, 2018)
Spectrum Miami – Miami, FL – (December 2017)
Saphira & Ventura Gallery – Midtown, New York, NY (November 2017)
Galerie Artitude – Paris, France (October 2017)
Ritz Carlton Residences – Coconut Grove, FL (April 2017)
Sonesta – Coconut Grove Arts Festival (solo exhibit – February 2017)
Art Expo NY – New York, NY (February 2017)
Miami Art Deco Weekend (2014)
Emerging Art Scene Gallery, Atlanta, GA (solo exhibit | Aug – Sep 2011)
Atlanta Celebrates Photography Book Shows (2009, 2010, 2011)
Atlanta Photography Exhibit (multiple shows)
Best of Atlanta Photographer’s Guild Show
Awards, Honors, and Juried Shows
19th Annual Black & White Spider Awards | Two Awards – Fine Art and Landscape (November 2024)
Showcase Artist, Exhibizone | Circles, Squares, Triangles 2024 (December 2023)
18th Annual Black & White Spider Awards | Six (6) Awards (November 2023)
Cash Grant Recipient, Biafarin, Ontario, Canada (September 2023)
Featured Artist, Current Masters Volume 6, Worldwide Art Books (January 2023)
Judge (Photography, Digital Art): Coconut Grove Arts Festival (February 2022)
Black & White Spider Awards, NUDE | “Organic Geometry” (November 2021)
ArteryNYC, Spotlight Interview (June 2021)
Epson International Pano Awards, Bronze Award (July 2020)
Artprenuer, First Prize Photography, “A Black and White Affair” (June 2020)
ArtTour Magazine, “Artist of the Decade”, (Winter 2020)
Contrive Photography Exhibition, d’Art Center, Norfolk, VA (Sept 2019)
Judge (Photography): Coconut Grove Arts Festival (February 2019)
Superfine! (Art Basel Miami), Miami Beach, FL (2018)
AVA Gallery – Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France (2017)
Judge: Coconut Grove Arts Festival (2016)
Spectrum Miami (solo – 2016)
“Get That Shot” Book Feature, Editors of Popular Photography Magazine (2011)
Atlanta Celebrates Photography (ACP) Portfolio Review (2010)
Atlanta Regional Commission – Atlanta Now Winner (2008)
Atlanta Photography Group (Feb 29 – Apr 12, 2008)
Nude Nite Orlando (2008)
Nude Nite Tampa (2008)
Popular Photography Magazine (April 2008)
University of Florida Photography Contest – 2nd Place (1976)