Golden States of Grace

Photographer Rick Nahmias explores faith on the edges of society in a photodocumentary exhibit at the de Saisset Museum.

We often see depictions of conventional religious practices, yet we rarely encounter the alternative forms of spiritual expression adopted by marginalized communities. Golden States of Grace: Prayers of the Disinherited, an exhibit at the de Saisset Museum through March 18, 2012, aims to give a voice to those who participate in the diverse religious landscape of California, but who have been pushed to the edges of society because of conditions, actions, or circumstances.

Exhibit

In this photographic series, artist Rick Nahmias ventures into 11 communities who are turning to eight different faith traditions to find refuge, family, and identity. Looking to Eastern, Western, and indigenous traditions from around the state, Nahmias depicts groups who represent the remarkable ethnic, racial, religious, and sexual diversity in California. Whether they are Zen Buddhists practicing within the walls of San Quentin State Prison, members of a Jewish congregation of recovering addicts, or participants in the world’s only transgender gospel choir, each group stands at a religious and cultural intersection that few others have experienced.

Nahmias photographed and interviewed participants in the different communities, recorded songs to serve as an atmospheric backdrop, and collected prayers to accompany the book of the exhibit.

Golden States of Grace: Prayers of the Disinherited runs at the de Saisset Museum through March 18, 2012. See a list of current exhibits here.

Nahmias speaks about the project in the videotaped intervew below.

SELECTED WORKS FROM THE EXHIBIT

A Plan For Tomorrow

Santa Clara President Julie Sullivan unveils a new strategic plan, Impact 2030, with a focus on increasing access and opportunity, and, of course, SCU’s Jesuit values and Silicon Valley location.

Hoops of Hope

From pink socks to non-profit outreach, Santa Clara Women’s Basketball hosted their annual Pink Game to honor families impacted by cancer.

Flight and Food

Birds can be the key to understanding the environment and SCU students are taking a closer look.

Freedom Fighter

After 22 years leading the Northern California Innocence Project at Santa Clara Law, Linda Starr starts a phased retirement.