erceived Value is an art gallery that challenges the way we view sports as more than moments of triumph, action, and spectacle. Through iconic images—Amon-Ra St. Brown’s contemplative headstand, Lionel Messi’s quiet genius on the field, and the profound emptiness of a stadium without its fans—this exhibit invites viewers to reimagine sports as art, rich with deeper narratives and reflections on the human condition.
The gallery contrasts moments of action with pauses, exploring the stillness within chaos, the individuality within the collective, and the fleeting nature of greatness. Amon-Ra’s headstand becomes a symbol of introspection, asking us to pause and question: In a game built on relentless forward motion, what does it mean to find balance? Similarly, Messi’s connection to the ball captures not just athletic skill, but the relationship between passion, artistry, and time—a fleeting moment that feels eternal and yet, deeply human.
Through these images, we ask a bigger question: How do we, as spectators, perceive the value of athletes? Are they icons to celebrate, or are they human beings navigating the weight of impermanence and expectation? The photo of an empty stadium serves as a poignant reminder of what is lost when we strip away the cheering crowds and the lights: the raw humanity that exists beyond the performances.
Perceived Value
Group Members: Alexander, Joe, Matthew, Abdoulaye
How did completing your project help you explore the role of arts in the lives of New Yorkers and their communities?
Completing *Perceived Value* deepened my understanding of how the arts reflect and shape the lives of New Yorkers, offering a lens into their identities, struggles, and aspirations. New York is a city built on motion and resilience, where sports are more than games—they are deeply ingrained in our culture, serving as unifying rituals for communities across all five boroughs. By curating this gallery, I realized how sports photography can transcend its immediate context and become art, reflecting the emotions, values, and challenges of those who call this city home. The project revealed how art, even when derived from sports, serves as a mirror for the lives of New Yorkers. For example, the image of an empty stadium during a global pandemic resonated deeply, capturing the collective grief, isolation, and longing for connection that all of us felt during those uncertain times. Similarly, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s headstand and Lionel Messi’s serene focus on the ball became symbols of how individuals in New York carve out moments of balance and meaning in a relentless, fast-paced environment. This project highlighted the arts’ ability to foster dialogue and bring people together. The imagery sparked conversations about identity, perseverance, and the shared experience of being human. It reminded me that New York’s communities thrive not just on achievement, but on reflection, vulnerability, and connection—values that art, in all its forms, helps to cultivate and sustain.
