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Gavin Warner was born in Cincinnati, Ohio (b.2001) and grew up in a small town in the area. They earned a BFA in Art Practices and a BA in Japanese Language and Culture University of Boulder Colorado (May 2023). Gavin is a queer artist who has an interest in flora and fauna, fantastical storytelling, fashion, and drag which comes together in their art practice (drawing, installation,video/performance). Their work is an exploration of identity, transformation, gender, and sexuality through the lens of the natural world.

Artist Statement

My work investigates the transformative process of self-discovery through drawing, performance/video, and installation. Growing up in a small town, I was harassed for being different; it wasn’t until later in life that I discovered what made me stand out. In a society that functions on a binary, it was clear that my feminine qualities didn’t match the gender I was assigned at birth. In the beginning it was difficult to accept my femininity, but with time, I learned to love and accept it. I found a strength within my identity that didn’t have to match society’s expectations. In my work, I show how the power of self-expression resides within the soul and manifests outward.

In my expression of energy, I activate colors and patterns that derive from flora and fauna around the world. I investigate the symbology derived from these organisms and our own experience. I draw a connection between the way humans experience change and the way various life forms transform on our planet. Change occurs in cycles and patterns which can be seen in the smallest processes in nature to the most prominent world events. I invite viewers to pay attention to the details and take a closer look beyond the surface. Ultimately, I create an experience to encourage curiosity for nature and celebrate authenticity.