Mixed Doubles is an ongoing portrait series originated by New York-based photographer Teri Slotkin that focuses on pairs of people connected by relationship. Rooted in dignity, participation, and shared humanity, the project invites people to be photographed not as individuals, but as part of a meaningful connection—parent and child, siblings, partners, friends, coworkers, caregivers, neighbors, and more.
“Mixed Doubles began as a way to slow down and pay attention to how people relate to one another,” said Slotkin. “Each pair brings their own history into the frame. This Columbus iteration reflects the city’s strong relational culture, and the many ways people here show up for one another.”
Mixed Doubles is grounded in a universal human impulse: the need to see ourselves reflected through our relationships with others. At a time seen by many as challenged by social division, isolation, and uncertainty, the project offers a simple but powerful gesture—pausing to acknowledge connection as something worth honoring and celebrating.
This project was made possible through a partnership with Kentler International Drawing Space and funding from a Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance grant and VisitColumbusGA, supporting public access to contemporary art and community-centered creative experiences.
TO EDIT Images from past Mixed Doubles project -will be updated to- Portraits by Teri Slotkin from the Mixed Doubles Columbus, 2026
TO EDIT: Link to Mixed Doubles stories (oral histories/audio components/description of pairs)
Teri Slotkin
Teri Slotkin’s photographic career spans over five decades. She holds degrees from Douglass College (Rutgers) and NYU. She served as the staff photographer at Goldman Sachs and was a founding member of the influential Collaborative Projects (Colab) collective. Her involvement in the iconic Times Square Show, Real Estate Show, and Spanner NYC, an art magazine, situates her work within a rich history of socially engaged art.
For Ms. Slotkin the process of capturing the still image is magical. Picture making is both her passion and vocation. Her continually evolving style integrates artistic and commercial pursuits. It is not unusual for the former to become the basis for the latter and visa versa. People are her primary subject matter. She enjoys interacting with her subjects.
Her assignments include portraiture and event coverage for corporations, arts and community service organizations as well as many individuals. Weddings and other family milestones are also an important part of her work. Her photographs have been exhibited in many venues and have been widely published. She regularly posts on Instagram.
Brining Mixed Doubles to Columbus, GA came about through a personal connection with Columbus native, Florence Neal, who established Kentler International Drawing Space in the Red Hood neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY . The project is an ongoing studio portrait series of pairs - people connected by birth, marriage, social, business, and other ties. At its most personal level, the project enables participants to examine the range of partnerships that shape their lives. Her experience with Mixed Doubles, its adaptability to different communities, and the meaningful responses from both participants and spectators supports her commitment to its continuation.
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