Jan Wade, Boneheads (2004). Courtesy of the artist and Richard Saltoun, New York, London, Rome.

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What You Need to Know: On view through June 22, 2024, Richard Saltoun Gallery in New York is presenting the exhibition “Jan Wade: COLORED ENTRANCE,” the artists debut solo show in the United States. Complementing the exhibition, the gallery will also be showcasing Wade’s work at the inaugural edition of Esther Art Fair, held at Estonian House, open May 1–4, 2024. The exhibition marks the occasion of Wade’s work Epiphany (1994) being acquired by the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, and precedes her retrospective “Soul Power” at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario, which opens in June. The present exhibition features a diverse selection of work from across Wade’s oeuvre, highlighting her engagement with African diasporic practices, familial histories, and her own lived experiences.

About the Artist: African-Canadian artist Jan Wade (b. 1952) is recognized for her materially explorative practice that investigates Black post-colonial themes—including identity, culture, and spirituality. She studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design, where she graduated in 1976, before relocating to Vancouver in 1983. Engaging with the city’s art and music subcultures, she took inspiration from their myriad performances and happening as well as anti-establishment ethos to endeavor on her own process of delving into research on African diasporic spiritual practices. Since then, her work and practice has evolved to become a wide-ranging—both materially and thematically—examination and documentation of her ongoing lines of artistic inquiry.

Why We Like It: “COLORED ENTRANCE” marks a momentous moment in Wade’s career, as her work both past and present are receiving what many would consider long overdue acknowledgement for her singular oeuvre. Featuring early works from the 1990s as well as recent projects, the exhibition illustrates the breadth and scope of Wade’s artistic research and experimentation and shines a light on recurring themes and motifs through examples of her most significant series. Among these is work from her “Breathe” (2004–2022) series, comprised of 70 abstract embroideries that correlate with specific areas of research, including Southern American culture, Gee Bend quilting techniques, and tied to a specific historic moment, the Black Lives Matter movement. Together, the show offers both followers of her work and those new to it a deep dive into Wade’s achievement.

See featured works below.

Jan Wade, Mama Story (1996). Courtesy of the artist and Richard Saltoun Gallery, New York, London, Rome.

Jan Wade, Prayer changes things (1994). Courtesy of the artist and Richard Saltoun Gallery, New York, London, Rome.

Jan Wade, Bonehead (2006). Courtesy of the artist and Richard Saltoun Gallery, New York, London, Rome.

Jan Wade, Breathe (2021–22). Courtesy of the artist and Richard Saltoun Gallery, New York, London, Rome.

Jan Wade, Give Them Their Flowers, Made in Canada (2022). Courtesy of the artist and Richard Saltoun Gallery, New York, London, Rome.

“Jan Wade: COLORED ENTRANCE” is on view at Richard Saltoun Gallery, New York, through June 22, 2024.


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