TWISTED METAL
An Exhibition of Demolition Derby Photographs by Michael DiBari Jr.
ON VIEW: September 25 – October 25, 2025, during opening hours
OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Free and open to the public. Free entertainment, wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Exhibition Summary: This exhibition features a 5-year photography series on the Demolition Derby from the Suffolk Peanut Festivals and the American South from local photographer and ODU professor, Michael DiBari Jr. Experience this niche yet action-packed motor sport of Demolition Derby’s through DiBari’s photographs, Derby memorabilia and auto-parts from local mechanics in our galleries.
Michael DiBari Jr.
Learn more about the photographer featured in his first solo exhibition by clicking here.
Michael DiBari, Jr., a documentary and editorial photographer, began photographing demolition derbies in 2019 at the Suffolk Peanut Festival. Drawn to the chaos and energy of the events, he has since photographed derbies across Virginia and North Carolina.
His work focuses on everyday life as cultural landscape—seeing the world as a kind of theater. For DiBari, demolition derbies are a slice of Americana, reflecting who we are and how we live.
Rooted in the exploration of human experience and culture, his photography blends art and storytelling. In addition to his practice, DiBari has taught photography and digital media at Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, and Hampton University. His work has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Baltimore Sun, The Detroit Free Press and The Albuquerque Journal.
He continues to explore human nature and its eccentricities through the lens of his camera.
gelatin silver print
chromogenic print
Thank you to our premier sponsors:
