During the 1930s, Gösta Adrian-Nilsson lived intermittently in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Lund, working intensively with painting, drawing, and writing. Artistically, he moved towards a more poetic visual language, where he combined the impulses of cubism and futurism with an increasingly free approach to colour.

“Double Exposure,” created during this period, is a fine example of how GAN continually developed his artistic practice. The title suggests a visual layering, where GAN uses overlapping forms and simultaneous perspectives—a theme that connects to both the language of film and the era's fascination with modern technology and movement.

“Double Exposure” was previously part of the ABF collection. The ABF art collection emerged in the mid-20th century as part of the labour movement's effort to make culture and education accessible to all. Through purchases and donations, works by both established and younger artists were gathered, with the aim of spreading modern art beyond traditional institutions. The collection became significant as a democratic cultural project: it was used in study circles, travelling exhibitions, and educational programmes, contributing to a broader understanding of contemporary art in Sweden.