CARY OKORO

ArtPrize 2021: Every Imprint Leaves a Mark

"I am interested in how our experiences shape who we become and imprint on our being. I hope this work connects with those who struggle to find their place in the world, to take the marks that we carry and transform them into self-understanding."

In "Every Imprint Leaves a Mark" portraits of everyday activities—our son walking the dog, our daughter on a nature hike—are layered with imagery from the rural villages in Nigeria, where my husband was born, and Switzerland where my relatives were farmers. The gold color from traditional Nigerian clothing made for my husband, yet interestingly manufactured in Switzerland, shows up in the radiant color of our son's hoodie and the stitching on my daughter's clothing, a connecting thread. Details from the built and natural landscape meld and fuse, bringing memories of place, time and those who came before.

WoodTV News coverage of "Every Imprint Leaves a Mark"

"She Wore Her Tiara to the Fire"

"Portrait/Fragment/Camel"

Cary Okoro is an artist and filmmaker whose work explores themes of nature, memory, trauma and identity. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, Okoro distorts her compositions, introducing elements of abstraction and chaos. This disruption of traditional modes of image-making and story-telling is intended to question dominant narratives--about beauty and worth, power and belonging, wellness and wholeness—and encourage viewers to consider alternative perspectives.

Okoro received her BFA and MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and is a member of the Director’s Guild of America (DGA.) Her paintings, photographs and mixed-media work have been included in shows in New York, Chicago and throughout the United States. Okoro’s personal documentary about the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease, "Something Should Be Done About Grandma Ruthie," aired on PBS, won numerous awards and has screened internationally. She is the recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Illinois Arts Council, The Puffin Foundation and many others. Her work has received prestigious awards and is in collections across the US.

"Goodbye to All That"

When not making art, Okoro enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature and advocating for social and environmental justice.

She lives with her husband, two children and their golden retriever in Michigan. And let's face it, the golden retriever runs this show.