Annual Juried Exhibition 24: Feature Award Winner
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
E Okutan
Forest City Gallery, 1025 Elias St.
April 16 – May 14, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, April 17, 2026 @ 7–9pm
Engrossed by the animate, biological, and mechanical function of the body, disobedience examines these functions as well as its relational imagery within a non-binary context. The array of mixed-media works establishes ambiguity and discomfort as a key element that invites varied interpretations and visceral reactions. While themes of disgust and decay attempt to position the work at the intersection of the aesthetic and repulsive. Pairing these with the visual of membranes, fluids, and bones creates an unforeseeable gore that brings these themes to life. Linking the complexities of morality and identity through their shared association with the body is where this work takes its first breath.
Artist Bio:
E Okutan is a non-binary multi-media artist completing their Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts at Western University. Their art practice explores the physicality of the body as a form and how they navigate the abhorrent relationship they have to their body. Through abject forms and incorrect materiality, Okutan enjoys reanimating their work with a life cycle of its own. Okutan has been the recipient of many awards including the Forest City Gallery Feature Award, the Western Admissions Scholarship, and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Scholarship. Their work has been exhibited at the Art Lab Gallery, the Cohen Commons Gallery, and the Forest City Gallery. Through these experiences they continue to feed their practice ensuring it grows like one of their artworks.
The Annual Juried Exhibition (AJE) is one of the most highly anticipated undergraduate exhibitions in the Department of Visual Arts at UWO. This exhibition supports the production of new artwork made in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, digital media, photography, installation, sound, and performance. For many years, Forest City Gallery has supported the AJE through the contribution of the FCG Feature Award. The FCG Feature offers a presentation and platforming opportunity to one student each year, selected by a professional jury.
