
Artist Statement
Jan Wade produces a wide range of mixed-media works made entirely from found or readymade objects and recycled materials. Originally from Hamilton, Wade was born to a Black Canadian father, whose family came from the American South, and a Canadian mother of European descent. Drawing on the perspectives of her paternal grandmother and great-grandmother, Wade was influenced by Southern US Black culture and aesthetics. joining the underground art and music scene in Vancouver, with its innovative performances, DIY art shows, and anti-establishment ethos. During this period Wade began her research into African diasporic spiritual practices, deciding she wanted her artistic practice to reflect her identity and where she came from, embracing themes of empowerment, hope and radical joy.
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