A new documentary photography project by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) MA Photography (Online) student Kevin Roberts is being exhibited in Brighton.
Capturing the social power and shared emotion of watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Together for Ninety Minutes turns its lens away from stadium pitch-sides and global spectacles to document local supporters gathering in pubs, sports bars, and community spaces across West Sussex.
Across different nations, ages and generations, the series captures the shared rituals from painted faces and national shirts to quiet concentration and collective celebrations, which unite strangers through a common passion.
Kevin, a West Sussex-based documentary photographer who's personally followed England to around 200 matches home and away, drew on four decades of fandom to explore how football acts as a catalyst for community and belonging.
“These photographs are not really about football; they’re about people," he explains. "Football is simply the catalyst that brings them together. I wanted to explore what happens when strangers share a common passion, when differences momentarily fall away, and when a room full of individuals becomes something greater than the sum of its parts.
“At its heart, this project is about our fundamental human need to connect, to belong, and to feel part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Reflecting on his time studying on the online course, Kevin credited AUB with helping shape his approach.
“The course has encouraged me to develop my practice, challenge my thinking, and explore photography as a means of communicating wider sociological ideas.”
As he prepares to present his work to the public, Kevin looks forward to seeing how audiences engage with the images.
“As I approach the next stage of sharing the work, I feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. I’m really looking forward to presenting the images, hearing people's reactions, and receiving feedback on how the photographs communicate these experiences. For me, that response is an important part of the project's continuing development.”
“What makes Kevin’s final thesis project so compelling is how skilfully he captures the raw, collective emotion and energy of these spaces," says James Elliott, MA Photography (Online) Programme Leader at AUB.
“From an academic and artistic perspective, the photographs move beyond straight forward portraiture or documentary; they examine human connection, shared vulnerability, and community identity in real time. The way he balances quiet, introspective focus with intense, euphoric atmosphere across diverse groups of supporters makes this an exceptional body of work.”
Together for Ninety Minutes will be exhibited from 15 November to 2 December 2026 at The King & Queen Sports Bar (13–17 Marlborough Place, Brighton, BN1 1UB).
Want to see more?
To explore more of Kevin’s work or find out details about the exhibition, visit his website.
