About

I am a Wakefield-based artist who explores the emotional impact that landscapes and place can have on humanity. I believe our interactions and relationships with landscape, both urban and rural, can provide wonderful experiences, only if we look.

My artistic practice investigates the ‘everyday’ and looks for ways – through painting, sculpture, installation, light and music – to explore and share those experiences.

Since 1988, I have created over 200 installations and exhibitions across the UK, including Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth Gallery (Wakefield), Shadwell Basin (London) and St Donat’s Castle (Wales). I have also been commissioned by the English National Opera, Opera North and the National Archives.

I am an experienced workshop facilitator with the majority of the work undertaken as community co-creation. Throughout my practice, I aim to create access to the arts for people who have little or no previous experience, finding techniques and materials that help them to respond to and comment on the world around them.

In 2024, I was a recipient of an Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award to support work with young people in care to create a touring exhibition for Oriel Davies Gallery (Mid Wales), Fabrica (Brighton), 20-21 Visual Arts Centre (Scunthorpe), and Dundee Contemporary Arts.

email – tonywadearts@gmail.com

Main photograph courtesy of Ophelia Jorgensen @photobyphe