Cleo Wade creates uplifting messages, blending simplicity with positivity and arresting honesty.
Why you should listen
Cleo Wade is an artist, poet and author of the forthcoming book Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom For a Better Life. Her writing, accessible yet empowering, speaks to a greater future for all women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community, preaching love, acceptance, justice, peace, equity and equality.
Wade's artwork is founded on the idea that art should be in the name of all people and should serve all people. This idea has inspired some of her larger scale public art installations, including a 25-foot love poem in the skyline of the New Orleans French Quarter titled "Respect," as well as her follow up piece, "She," which was created in collaboration with graffiti artist Brandon Odums and is permanently installed on the face of a 50-foot warehouse building in the New Orleans Bywater neighborhood. In the summer of 2017, Wade created the "ARE YOU OK" project, a public booth for free, peaceful and loving conversation at the Hester Street Fair in New York City. Her latest public art installation of 10-word mantras on 46-foot screens entitled "Show Love Spread Love" is currently on view in Los Angeles on the facade of the Beverly Center. Other mediums of Wade's art include drawing, painting, sculpture, and neon text. Wade contributes regularly to W magazine and Teen Vogue.