“Insight Into the Other,” the first international exhibition exchange held by the University Hall Gallery, is on display until Feb. 21, 2026.
The artwork selection was curated by Sam Toabe, director of the University Hall Gallery, alongside Sarah McAvera, co-director of the Golden Thread Gallery, a leading contemporary visual art program in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The second part of the international exhibition exchange will feature a group exhibition by UMass Boston faculty, staff and alumni opening Feb. 14, 2026 at the Golden Thread Gallery.
The exhibition revolves around how artwork functions as an element to understand ourselves and others, and how the concept we have of others shapes our view of the world. Every piece is either digital or includes a lens-based element; three are photos while the other six are video, and two feature a digital interactive element.
Upon entering the gallery, there are two screens in the middle of the floor showing the front and back of a two-channel installation. The piece is named “Hold In,” created in 2012 by Sandra Johnston. The screens show the front and back of a nude torso. The individual featured is hyperflexible and crosses their arms through their back, reaching to the opposite ribs. The artwork aims to explore the aftermath of trauma as a form of testimony and empathetic encounter.
The remaining artwork is installed on the perimeter of the gallery. The right wall includes “Interval (after Lucio Fontano)” by Sharon Murphy, a photo gallery showing a red stage curtain with a faint light passing through. The image is used as a key visual for the exhibition, suggesting the opening of a new perspective.
“Crossing The Border” by Shiro Masuyama extends to the right. This is a brief video documentary centered on the concept of forbidden borders. The video features Masuyama at the Schiphol airport in Amsterdam tossing small rubber bands through a gap between the area protected by customs, only accessible through the extensive security checkpoint and the outside of the airport. The rubber bands perform the quiet transgression of breaking the border between the two areas.
The digital interactive piece that stands out is “Surveiller” created in 2004 by Una Walker. This is a data-based exhibition interested in the relation between the Troubles, a period of political and social conflict in Northern Ireland, and virtual art exhibitions. The piece includes a database of visual art exhibitions, accessible through a small tablet on the wall. However, once the observer is positioned in front of the tablet to view the database, they come within view of a surveillance camera. This piece aims to reflect how digital surveillance intersects with the access to archival data and the implications this has for freedom of speech.
Rafaela Astudillo, a fourth year student and gallery assistant, said that the University Hall Gallery provides a space for students to come in contact with artwork in a gallery setting without leaving campus, facilitating learning and cultural exposure.
Similarly, as a gallery assistant, she has the opportunity to learn more about gallery management, from guest services to artwork installation. This role also enabled Astudillo to curate the previous exhibition alongside gallery assistant Helina Almonte. She added that Toabe is supportive, encouraging further artistic exposure and collaboration between students and professional artists by facilitating studio visits.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to the subject of Sandra Johnston’s “Hold In” as a male torso. Johnston is female. (Updated Dec. 17)