Oct 17 2026 - May 9 2027
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota, FL
From its analog and chemical origins to its ubiquitous digital presence today, photography has transformed how we understand the world and communicate our experiences through images. Reflecting this extraordinary reach, photographs represent the largest category of recent acquisitions to
The Ringling's collection, building on foundational gifts from Warren J. and Margot Coville in 2012 and Stanton B. and Nancy W. Kaplan in 2019. This exhibition presents just a small selection of highlights from the more than 1,200 photographic objects acquired since 2020, offering a snapshot of collecting at the midpoint of the decade. While some are museum purchases, most of these acquisitions were made possible through the generosity of collectors and donors.
Representing the work of over 40 artists and spanning from the 19th century to the 2020s, the works on view demonstrate photography's versatility as both an artistic medium and a cultural force. They examine the relationship between personal and collective memory, explore portraiture and identity across time and cultures, and trace how photography has framed our understanding of landscape, architecture, and the natural world. They capture the nuances of everyday life, reveal photography's central role in mass media and visual culture, and reflect how artists have expanded the medium through experimental processes and methodologies. Many of these acquisitions also exemplify The Ringling's commitment to representing artists who have shaped Florida's particular cultural landscape through their images or roles as photography educators.
Credit: Overview from museum website
Exhibition Venues & Dates
Oct 17 2026 - May 9 2027
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Sarasota, FL