CONTACT: Christie Marcy
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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 July 21, 2017
 
 
 
 

Tabarek, 17

DISPELLING STEREOTYPES OF THE HIJAB
UMOCA Presents Al Ahad's The Hijab Project
ED SPACE: JUL 21 - NOV 18
OPENING RECEPTION: AUG 25 | 7 - 9 PM
Salt Lake City, UT - The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) is thrilled to present Al Ahad's The Hijab Project.
 
Al Ahad is an Arabic word meaning indivisible and is used to describe God. It also serves as an acronym for Always Love Against Hate And Discrimination, a local organization working to change public perceptions of Islam. The members of Al Ahad believe that love, unity and community action are society's strongest tools against hate and systemic racism.

 

Al Ahad conducted surveys at three locations in the Salt Lake Valley in order to gain insight into local residents' views of Islam. In particular, survey questions focused on the hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women. The survey results indicated widespread disinformation about the hijab, including the belief that the hijab is intrinsically connected to gender oppression.
 
While many see the hijab as a symbol of homogenization and oppression, the women of Al Ahad believe the hijab represents a profound respect and connection to God. They have all made a personal choice to wear the garment at different times in their lives.

Informed by the survey results and their own experiences, Al Ahad created The Hijab Project. They invited Muslim women from around Salt Lake City to participate in workshops to create their own headscarves. As participants used the hijab as their canvas, they let their personalities shine through. These artworks reflect each woman's individual spirituality with the hope of dispelling stereotypes surrounding women who wear the hijab.
 
Join us on August 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. for the opening reception of The Hijab Project, as well as Cities of Conviction, UMOCA's first exhibition of contemporary Saudi Arabian art, in the Main Gallery, Michael Anthony García and Jaime Salvador Castillo's whereABOUTS in the Ed. Space and Jason Manley's Shrinking Room in the A-I-R Space. There is a suggestion of $8 for this event, and light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
About the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) has advanced and elevated the community of contemporary arts and culture since it was established in 1931. UMOCA is a fearless voice for innovation, experimentation and dialogue surrounding the topics of our time. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, UMOCA invites curiosity and promotes understanding of the challenging concepts that art and its reflective social commentary can present. UMOCA is a force for social transformation that unites all points of view, backgrounds, experience, and ages through pertinent art exhibitions and educational programming. UMOCA evokes change, challenges ideologies, celebrates triumph, and introduces an array of contemporary voices with in the Museum and throughout the community.
 
UMOCA is a five-time recipient of funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation and a 2015 and 2016 recipient of the Art Works Grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts.
 
UMOCA is a 501c3 institution that is supported by public foundation, and corporate gifts. Your donation in any amount is greatly appreciated, and admission is a $5 suggested donation.
 
 
 
 
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, 20 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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