Exhibition by Wakefield-born artist Jason Wilsher-Mills coming to WX
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Wakefield Council is pleased to welcome artist Jason Wilsher-Mills and the first large-scale exhibition of work in his hometown to Wakefield Exchange (WX) later this month.
‘Jason and the Wakefield Adventure’ will run from 20 June to 7 September.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Jason back to his hometown and hosting an exhibition of his work in WX.
“It’s going to be a magical exhibition which is colourful and full of humour and has been inspired by Wakefield, past and present.
“Running alongside the exhibition will be a huge programme of activities planned, including inflatable walkable performances, workshops and tours as well as activities for schools and in libraries. There really will be something for everyone to enjoy so I urge you to get involved.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
The exhibition will feature several striking inflatable and fiberglass sculptures. Including an incredible 20m inflatable sculpture – Jason’s largest and most ambitious artwork to date created especially for Wakefield.
There will also be interactive elements such as an AI powered projection, digital artworks, short films and soundtracks.
Jason Wilsher-Mills was born in Wakefield in 1969. At 11 years old, Jason was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition triggered by chickenpox, which confined him to a wheelchair. Through brightly coloured psychedelic inflatables sculptures and interactive digital projections, Jason’s artworks celebrate disability, northern working-class heritage, popular culture and social history.
Jason has collaborated with local disabled community groups in Wakefield to create an exciting new artwork which will be found in the Canopy outside the WX entrance.
Jason Wilsher-Mills said: “It is truly wonderful to return home to Wakefield and be asked to create an exhibition at the wonderful venue at Wakefield Exchange. Creating ambitious new work, all about my experiences of growing up in this wonderful city, which has inspired and featured in every piece of work I have made.
“The exhibition ‘Jason & the Wakefield Adventure’ is a celebration of the city’s history, its people and some of the wonderful characters who I have met, read about, or watched play for my beloved Wakefield Trinity. You will meet ‘Cowboy Dave’, ‘The Jolly Pinder of Wakefield’, ‘Nellie Snowball’ and ‘Parrot Lady’ amongst many other incredible characters, which will feature in my new film project ‘Planet Wakefield’.
“The Merrie City has always been where my heart resides and I owe so much to Wakefield, for providing me with so much inspiration over the years. I would also like to thank Wakefield Council and the team at WX for their support in making this exhibition become a reality.”
For more information about Jason Wilsher-Mills, visit www.jwmartist.co.uk
Find out more about the exhibition and all the activities planned at https://www.wxwakefield.co.uk/Whats-On/Details?event=jason-and-the-wakefield-adventure