Making Waves: Controversial Art in Utah

"Making Waves: Controversial Art in Utah" is an unprecedented examination of those works that have, over the past century, caused public outcry, drew the threat of censorship or were censored in some way in Utah. The purpose of the exhibition is a three-fold. First, to examine the nature of community standards in our state, the ways they changed over time and the influence they have on expression in the arts. Second, to celebrate freedom of expression by exhibiting works that tested societal boundaries during the periods in which they were created or exhibited. Third, to encourage public dialogue about controversy, censorship and compromise. Works have been chosen based on three principal criteria: the extent to which they reflect the attitudes of the times in which they were created| the extent to which they reflect a range of controversial subject matter| and the aesthetic and artistic quality of the works themselves. Exhibition held in the Main Gallery Center.