Cities Of Conviction

In partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and CULTURUNNERS, Cities of Conviction is an exhibition of contemporary art from Saudi Arabia. While the artworks have been curated by UMOCA, this exhibition and program are part of a ten-city cultural tour with the United States.

Cities of Conviction presents works from artists who are engaged in looking at the struggle and transformations of Saudi society, and who delve into complex issues linking Utah and Saudi Arabia, such as natural resources, pilgrimage and tension surrounding commercial development around cultural heritage sites.

Cities of Conviction is to be exhibited in the Main and Codec galleries of UMOCA, located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, and adjacent to Utah’s most recognizable religious site, the LDS Temple. This site is a place of pilgrimage, but is also the center of a commercial development boom, just as Mecca is experience now; Our state is currently engaging in issues surrounding oil and land preservation, just as Saudi is attempting to diversify its economy. From sacred lands to the way society condemns or accepts religious practices, each unique culture connects to one another in a variety of ways. Contemporary art has always been at the heart of these very human connections, bringing to the forefront the most pressing issues of our national and global cultures.

Participating Artists: 

Abdullah Al-Othman; Abdulnasser Gharem; Ahmed Mater; Arwa Alneami; Balqis Al Rashed; Dana Awartani; Ghada Al Rabea; Khalid Bin Afif; Khalid Zahid; Lina Gazzaz; Masameer / Telfaz; Moath Alofi; Musaed Al Hulis; Nasser Al Salem; Nouf Alhimiary; Nugamshi; Qamar Abdulmalik; Rashed Al Shahshai; Yusef Alahmad