UMOCA x Angie Smith Present: Stronger Shines the Light Inside

Stronger Shines the Light Inside is an ongoing photography project that tells the personal stories of refugees in the United States. In 2015, Los Angeles-based photographer Angie Smith began documenting refugees rebuilding their lives in the United States. This exhibition showcases the refugee community in Utah. Stronger Shines the Light Inside helps Americans understand the complexities, struggles, and personal triumphs that refugees experience in their everyday lives. Of the 65 million displaced people worldwide, only 1% will eventually be resettled in a host country, each having endured a long and grueling screening process, often spanning years. 

This project presents refugees as individuals, each with a unique story, grappling with questions of self-identity, language learning, and the balance of embracing and honoring multiple cultures. It also shows a new picture of Americanness, telling the story of some of the newest members of our community. Every story is different, but each one speaks of hope and resiliency.

Founded in 1931, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art is celebrating 90 years of contemporary art in Utah. Our purpose is to work with artists and communities to help build a better world. Access to contemporary art throughout the state is important to us – so we bring art on the road!