LOCALS ONLY GALLERY ROUND 3: Mark Hedengren’s The Invincibility Fable, SLC: May 4-Aug. 18

Contact: Danica Farley| danica.farley@utahmoca.org | 801.328.4201 x 115
www.utahmoca.org | 20 S West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For Immediate Release:
April 10, 2012

LOCALS ONLY GALLERY ROUND 3: Mark Hedengren’s The Invincibility Fable, May 4-Aug. 18
First Friday opening on May 4, 8-10 PM, with DJ TiDY, food, and cash bar

Salt Lake City – The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art is pleased to announce Mark Hedengren as the next artist appearing in our Locals Only Gallery from May 4-Aug.18, 2012. Hedengren’s The Invincibility Fable is a survey of over 30 color photographs taken from his series “Cliff Jumpers”, a project that spanned nearly two years while Hedengren traveled across the nation. His images depict the exuberant youth culture found at swimming holes across the American South and Mountain West, oblivious to the dangers posed by rocks and water.

“Swimming holes have a way to transcend age, class and creed; all are joined by the cool of the water,” said Hedengren. “I am interested in photographing these strong informal communities.”

The Invincibility Fable is Hedengren’s first solo exhibition in Utah. He has been in shows juried by the National Portrait Gallery and The Whitney Museum of American Art. Mark is also active in filmmaking with movies showing at Slamdance, on BBC Films and at Sundance, where he directed the feature Skippy. He has a BFA from BYU, a MFA from the Glasgow School of Art and works with Getty Images.

“Hedengren’s work touches the core of risk and joyful abandon within youth culture,” said Aaron Moulton, Senior Curator, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art.  “His images of casual and unself-conscious teens portray a fleeting moment cast in summer afternoon light that become a surreal look at Salad Days.” 

The public is invited to join UMOCA for a First Friday opening of Hedengren’s exhibition on May 4, 8-10 p.m., with music by DJ TiDY, food, and a cash bar.

The Locals Only Gallery is UMOCA’s initiative to promote local artists who engage in the contemporary art world to ensure that distinctive Utah voices are represented in the museum. The Locals Only Gallery provides selected Utah artists with prominent exposure to UMOCA visitors, and through the museum’s increasing national ties, the possibility of greater exposure around the country. 

About UMOCA
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art was recognized as Best Museum in the State of Utah for 2011. Founded in 1931 and now located in the heart of Salt Lake City, UMOCA exhibits groundbreaking work by leading local and international artists. UMOCA is currently exhibiting 2012 Sundance Film Festival New Frontier, FAX , Onomatopoeia by Constant Dullaart, and  Let Them Eat Cupcakes, by Elizabeth Tobias. In May, UMOCA opens The Invincibility Fable. And in June, three new exhibitions open including Play Me I’m Yours, Cantastoria, and Battleground States.

The museum also offers a mix of award-winning educational programs, film screenings, panel discussions and events that celebrate Salt Lake City’s vibrant local art scene.

UMOCA is located at 20 S. West Temple and is open Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free. For more information call (801) 328-4201 or visit www.utahmoca.org.

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Danica Farley | Director of Communications | Utah Museum of Contemporary Art | 20 S. West Temple | Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | 801.328.4201 ext. 115