Hats off

Photographer and artist David Drebin is based in New York City. Peter Dench talks to him about his new photo book of voyeuristic scenes that evoke emotions, psychological perspectives and insightful reflections into the viewers' own experiences

- DAVID DREBIN

‘I thought you might be interested in star photographer David Drebin’s new beautifully illustrated book, Flirting With Danger,’ said the teNeues PR. I don’t come across many photographers pitched as a star and requested an interview. I call David while he is on a European tour with shows and events in Sweden, Spain, France and Germany. When he answers, he is doing what he has consistently done for decades. ‘I’m just taking a picture of someone in the gallery, give me one second. I’m in a gallery, it’s very interesting, this really cool girl is working. She’s so cool! You’ve got pretty vibes. Thank you. I’m going to come back and see you later. What’s your name again?’

The previous week, I’d submerged into the world according to Drebin, watching interviews, scrolling web pages, flicking through books. ‘I want you to tell me with your fresh eyes what your impression is of my entire story?’ he asks.

‘I feel, looking at your work, it’s decades of seeing condensed into individual and very layered photographs. When I look at one of your pictures I’m whipped back to classic album covers and Athena posters of the 1980s, iconic advertising campaigns of the 1990s right through to where we are now. It’s a kaleidoscope, a whirlwind, it’s highly enjoyable,’ I admit.