Satoko Okuno

1. Paintings
2. Ceramics
3. Printmaking

Biography

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Biography
Satoko Okuno (b. 1991) is a painter and ceramic artist originally from Tokyo, Japan, currently living and working in LA. Okuno's artistic vision is anchored in the portrayal of animals and mythological creatures, drawing inspiration from various sources such as her two cats, encounters at the zoo, and ancient art forms like Greek pottery and Egyptian sculptures. Her vibrant mixed-media paintings, adorned with impasto textures, and glazed stoneware breathe life into these creatures, establishing them as guardians within her art and inviting viewers into a comforting and safe realm. This profound exploration of guardianship is rooted in Okuno’s Japanese upbringing, steeped in the cultural richness of Shintoism—the belief that all things, ranging from natural materials, animals, and humans alike, have a spirit. Having grown up with traditional Japanese sculptures of guardian animals, often placed in front of shrines to bring safety and protect inhabitants, she recasts those animals as central characters in her modern-day sanctuaries, providing solace and gentleness in a world often laden with life's traumas.



Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (04.2024)
ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, CA
- Valedictorian (2024)
- GPA 4.0, Provost list (2021-2024)
- Honors Term recipient
- Received multiple scholarships for academic and creative excellence

Bachelor of Laws (03.2013)
The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan




Solo Exhibition

Whispers of Kindred Souls (03.2025)
The Trophy Room LA, Los Angeles, CA

Eyes on You (11.2024)
HeyThere Projects, Joshua Tree, CA




Selected Group Exhibition

Title TBD (06.2025)
Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Bells & Whistle Show (02.2025)
Goat Gallery, Landers, CA

Fever Dream of Divine Beauty (01.2025)
The Trophy Room LA, Los Angeles, CA

Quiet Please at Thinkspace (01.2025)
Thinkspace Projects, Los Angeles, CA

Heads We’re Dancing (11.2024)
Alto Beta Gallery, Altadena, CA

Off Register Art Book and Print Fair (11.2024)
Off Register, Santa Barbara, CA

Cute and Creepy (10.2024)
Hive Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Best In Show (09.2024)
Pamplemousse Gallery, Richmond, VA

Everything But the Kitchen Sink (08.2024)
La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

May Flowers (05.2024)
The Trophy Room LA, Los Angeles, CA

Echoes: Eye On Berlin (08.2023)
aquabitArt galerie, Berlin-Mitte, Germany




Press

ArtStuff (06.2024)
A Minute With Emily Marchand & Satoko Okuno

Bold Journey (06.2024)
Meet Satoko Okuno

Shoutout LA (10.2023)
Meet Satoko Okuno | Painter and Ceramics Artist

VoyageLA (09.2023)
Rising Stars: Meet Satoko Okuno