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Encounter the Complexities of Human Relationships, Memory and Identity, in Double Portraits, A Layered and Multifaceted Portrait of the American South

Original Exhibit Opens October 25 at The Vero Beach Museum of Art

Discover the diverse ways artists depict human connection, presence, and absence within a shared frame, at Double Portraits, an original photography exhibition on view at the Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA) October 25, 2025, through January 11, 2026.

This exhibition features 47 photographs by 34 artists, each capturing the rich and ever-evolving American South through the concept of a “double portrait.” The exhibition was curated by VBMA Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell and organized by the Vero Beach Museum of Art, with photographs on loan from the Collection of the Do Good Fund, Columbus, Georgia.

“In a time when countless images flood our screens each day, Double Portraits invites viewers to slow down and consider what photography can reveal when created with intention and a distinct point of view,” shares VBMA Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell. “The exhibition features portraits of individuals from the Florida Everglades to Mississippi highways to Atlanta suburbs—taken by artists ranging from emerging talents to Guggenheim fellows.”

Divided into four thematic sections, the works demonstrate the many ways photography captures the complexities of human relationships, memory, and identity—offering a layered and multifaceted portrait of the American South.

The first section explores traditional portraiture, showcasing photographs like Rineke Dijkstra’s, in which subjects are centrally framed, fully visible, and clearly identifiable as individuals. From here, the exhibition transitions to artists who incorporate vernacular photographic styles, often embracing a “snapshot aesthetic” to depict two people together in often casual or spontaneous moments. This approach highlights photography’s power to convey intimacy and emotional resonance.

The third section explores the themes of connection and care. A portrait featuring two people naturally suggests a story, as the viewer instinctively looks for meaning in their interaction. Even without knowing the subjects, subtle details—like a glance or a touch—convey a shared moment, offering deeper insight into the image’s significance.

The final section redefines the concept of the double portrait by showcasing unconventional examples. Figures may be reflected in mirrors, seen in photographs that appear within other photographs, or represented through fragmented or partially obscured depictions. These images challenge traditional portraiture, emphasizing presence through suggestion rather than direct depiction.

Double Portraits was curated by Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell and organized by the Vero Beach Museum of Art, with photographs on loan from the Collection of the Do Good Fund.