UNE Art Gallery in Biddeford to present ‘As Above, So Below’

The University of New England Art Gallery in Biddeford will exhibit “As Above, So Below,” a two-person show featuring works by Liz Awalt and the late C. Michael Lewis, from Feb. 20 to May 4.

This collection offers a study of contrasting perspectives on the planet, starting from a point of opticality and encompassing both the scientific and the sublime. The exhibit allows viewers to imagine alternate sensory environments, opening up a range of emotional and intellectual responses to inhabiting our world.

Awalt’s practice is based on her observations of the ocean, often from beneath the surface. Awalt dives with waterproof paper to create observational drawings from her experience with the underwater world. Her work, which is direct and physical, reflects a keen understanding of environmental changes and the challenges faced by marine ecosystems.

Lewis’ “Earthscapes” paintings meticulously depict the Earth as seen from above, through the all-seeing eye of Google Earth. In this context, the built environment becomes its own organism, mimicking both the analytical drive of mathematics and the entropic decay of an organic system. 

Lewis, a Portland-based artist, passed away in November of last year.

“‘As Above, So Below’ offers unique viewpoints on Earth, from the aerial perspective of Lewis to the underwater observations of Awalt,” remarked Hilary Irons, director of galleries and exhibitions at UNE, adding that this exhibit offers students and visitors an artistic perspective on marine and environmental studies fields. “This exhibition invites viewers to consider our planet from these contrasting vantage points, encouraging reflection on our relationship with the environment.”

This exhibit is presented in collaboration with the UNE School of Marine and Environmental Programs, with guidance from Charles Tilburg, Ph.D., the director of the school and a professor of marine sciences. 

A reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the gallery, located in the Jack S. Ketchum Library on UNE’s oceanfront campus, from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20. The artwork is viewable from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Jack S. Ketchum Library is located at 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford.