Life, death and swimmin' holes | The Salt Lake Tribune

Lifeguards need not apply • Mark Hedengren documents the young and crazy.

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Mark Hedengren traveled the back roads of the South and Southwest for two years, visiting swimming holes where adventurous folks (jacked up on Dew, we can only assume) launched themselves into death-defying dives.

The result of Hendengren's research is an installation of more than 30 color photographs at the Utah Museum of Contermporary Art called "The Invincibility Fable."

"Swimming holes have a way to transcend age, class and creed; all are joined by the cool of the water," Hedengren says.

The show will run through the summer — but a great way to experience it is at UMOCA's First Friday party on May 4, 8 p.m., which will feature music, food, a cash bar and Hedengren. Maybe UMOCA director Adam Price will come up with a Mountain Dew-based cocktail to mark the premiere.

The show will run May 4-Aug.18 at UMOCA, 20 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City More info at 801-328-4201 or www.utahmoca.org