The Art of Sport: Exhibition and Special Conversation at SPARC Centre Gallery
The South Pasadena Arts Council (SPARC) presents The Art of Sport, a dynamic exhibition exploring the intersection of athletic achievement and contemporary art, featuring collaborative works by renowned sports photographer Andrew D. Bernstein and visual artist Taura. The exhibition is on view at the SPARC Centre Gallery and culminates in a special, ticketed conversation with Bernstein and invited guests.
The Art of Sport merges action photography and free-form painting into a striking visual dialogue. Using Bernstein’s photographic prints as a foundation, Taura transforms each work with expressive brushwork, handwritten text, and kinetic marks that echo the intensity of live competition. The resulting pieces pulse with motion and atmosphere, evoking unforgettable moments from Los Angeles sports history and inviting viewers to experience the emotion of the game beyond the frame. Presented publicly for the first time, this collaboration is a singular celebration of sport as lived experience and creative inspiration.
Taura’s work channels the raw power and poetry of athletic motion, balancing chaos and control to evoke nostalgia, momentum, and human achievement. Her distinctive visual language transforms familiar scenes into layered, expressive compositions that feel alive with movement and memory.
Andrew D. Bernstein is widely recognized for his decades-long career documenting professional sports and cultural icons. A Hall of Fame photographer, Bernstein’s images have appeared in thousands of publications worldwide and in major advertising campaigns. He has served as team photographer for multiple Los Angeles professional sports franchises and holds leadership roles within prominent sports and entertainment venues. Beyond his professional achievements, Bernstein is deeply committed to mentorship and arts education, particularly through youth-focused nonprofit work.
The exhibition culminates in a ticketed, in-person conversation with Andrew D. Bernstein and special guests on Saturday, January 24, from 4–6 PM, at the SPARC Centre Gallery. Timed to coincide with the publication of Mamba & Mambacita Forever, the discussion offers insight into the creation of commemorative sports art, the collaborative process behind public-facing works, and the role of visual storytelling in shaping collective memory.
Following the conversation, Andrew D. Bernstein and guests will be available to sign copies of Mamba & Mambacita Forever, as well as Bernstein’s other acclaimed collaborations, including The Mamba Mentality and Journey to the Ring. Admission is $15, and attendees may also pre-purchase books in advance.
In addition to the ticketed conversation, the SPARC Centre Gallery will be open for public viewing of The Art of Sport on Tuesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 22, from 5–7 PM.
Together, the exhibition and conversation offer a rare opportunity to experience the artistry behind some of Los Angeles’s most enduring sports imagery—appealing to art enthusiasts, cultural historians, and devoted fans alike.
Event Information
Location: SPARC Centre Gallery
1000 Fremont Avenue, Unit 120, South Pasadena
(Entrance located at the back of the building, accessible from the parking lot)
Exhibition: The Art of Sport
Featuring collaborative works by Andrew D. Bernstein and Taura
Public Gallery Hours:
Tuesday, January 20, 5–7 PM
Thursday, January 22, 5–7 PM
Special Ticketed Conversation & Closing Reception:
Saturday, January 24, 4–6 PM
Conversation with Andrew D. Bernstein and guests, followed by a book signing
Admission:
$15 for the ticketed conversation
Books available for purchase and pre-purchase
Tickets & Book Pre-Purchase:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversation-on-the-art-of-sport-tickets-1980035059163
