The two religions are rarely mentioned in the same sentence, but BYU's Museum of Art is trying to change that with an exhibit featuring Islamic art from around the world. "It was amazing how many times people found the same values found in the Mormon traditions and culture also in (Islamic culture)," said Sabiha Al Khemir, the project's director. "We aspire to similar things. Many times, my Mormon colleagues are quoting things to me directly from Mormon scripture that directly correspond with what these pieces are about."
The exhibition will feature more than 250 pieces from nine countries. The project began in 2008 when Al Khemir, a Tunisian native and world-renowned writer, artist and expert in Islamic art, had the idea to bring a collaborative exhibition to the university. The exhibition will open at BYU before moving on to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Newark Museum in Newark, N.J., and the Portland Museum in Portland, Ore.
The exhibit will take up the main floor of BYU's Museum of Art, and museum staff is already moving other exhibits to make room for the display.
Mark Magleby, director of the museum, said the international scope of the museum, with Al Khemir's help, will provide a promising asset for the university as a reminder to the community of how religious beliefs can parallel each other. "There's no question that when you get to know people who truly live their value system, it is an act of devotion," said Magleby.
"Her (Al Khemir's) practice is an act of devotion within Islam. We see our jobs at BYU the same way to be in excellence as a museum or university needs to be when it is funded by the faith of the Saints and the church."The exhibit will guide viewers through the pieces in a step-by-step progression that will help visitors appreciate and understand Islamic culture by starting with simpler pieces and ending with the more complex.
"The mentality is to be in the state to learn but to also be in a state to unlearn," Al Khemir said. "When it comes to Islamic culture, we have a great deal to unlearn and forget and to just see what is."
She said doing the project has been spiritual on many levels for all those involved. She gave an example of one piece she really wanted for the main display, but she couldn't obtain it. In the end, the museum received a pleasant surprise — an even more iconic emblem that was donated by a family in Kuwait.
"Some objects you might really want, but they are in another exhibition," she said. "Life brings you surprises and can sometimes give you something better."Magleby said that working with Al Khemir has given him a greater understanding of the Muslim faith, and he has started to see Islamic origins that have found their way into Utah.