CARY OKORO

"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.