Untitled (bride and groom with mirror reflection, St. Louis, Missouri) after 1949

Editor: This photograph by Martin Schweig is titled "Untitled (bride and groom with mirror reflection, St. Louis, Missouri)". I'm struck by the staging of the subjects and the apparent duplication. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This image resonates with the social performance inherent in wedding rituals. Consider the gendered expectations at play. Why are their eyes covered? What does it signify? The brides are mirrored; are they identical or doubles? Editor: Interesting! It feels like it's commenting on the expectations placed on couples, especially women, during that time. Curator: Precisely! Schweig seems to critique the performative aspects of marriage and the societal gaze imposed on brides. The composition encourages us to question the authenticity of the moment. Editor: I didn't think of it that way at first, but looking at it now, I see how the photo challenges traditional wedding narratives. Curator: Exactly. Art provides us with an opportunity to question assumptions and spark change.