UNE exhibition ‘Direct Snap’ examines the psychology of sport and spectatorship

A new exhibit exploring the psychological relationship between professional athletes and sport spectators opens this Thursday, Dec. 4, at the University of New England Art Gallery in Biddeford. An opening reception will be held Thursday at the gallery, located in the Jack S. Ketchum Library, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Featuring the work of artists Jo Ophardt, working with football imagery, and Miguel Pavón, looking at boxers and their environment, the exhibit, “Direct Snap,” investigates the psyche of the athlete and the collaboration of the spectator. 

Like a sporting event, “Direct Snap” is designed around carefully choreographed repetition, in which the gaze becomes a central anchor that links the viewer to both small moments and the larger role that professionalized sports play in American society — where both theatricality and redirected aggression are tempered by humanity and individual integrity.   

Hilary Irons, director of Galleries and Exhibitions at UNE, said the exhibit realizes both formal exploration and a fundamental sense of empathy for the athletes who make up the artists’ subject matter.

“‘Direct Snap’ is an exciting show, both because of the powerful artwork and the theme of athletics,” Irons said. “As an academic college with strong athletics programs, this is a great opportunity for the UNE Art Galleries to connect with both University athletes and spectators around a topic in which there is serious passion and dedication.”

“Direct Snap” will be displayed at the UNE Art Gallery, located in the Jack S. Ketchum Library at 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, through May 17, 2026. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.