Sean Edwards, Welsh representative at the 58th Venice Bienalle
Sean Edwards, Welsh representative at the 58th Venice Bienalle ©

Antonio Olmos

Sean Edwards’ work investigates the sculptural and political potential of the everyday, often using remnants and fragments of previous activities as a starting point. In many of the works there is a sense of objects being in-progress, indeterminate and open to change. The work intertwines simple sculptural objects, mixed media installations and audio visual components with personal family and political histories. 

Edwards was recently awarded the 2020 Turner Prize Bursary for his installation Undo Things Done for the Welsh Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale, which addressed austerity, class, shame and loss. The work responded the artists own experiences of growing up on a council estate, and included a live radio play produced with National Theatre Wales performed every day for 7 months by the artists’ mother from her home in Cardiff. The radio play was later adapted for BBC Radio 4.  

In 2019 Edwards represented Wales at the 58th Venice Bienalle and was awarded the Turner Prize Bursary in 2020. He has been selected for the British Art Show 9 and has exhibited extensively nationally and internationally including forthcoming solo exhibitions include; Bluecoat Gallery, Liverpool and Temple Bar Gallery Dublin (both 2020) and past exhibitions at Ty Pawb, Wrexham, 2020, Network Aalst,  Limoncello London ( both 2014), Chapter,  Cardiff (2013), Kunstverein Freiurg (2012) and Spike Island (2011). 

In addition to his exhibiting practice Edwards also undertakes public artworks and is currently producing two new works in Cambridge and Brecon, Wales. Edwards graduated with an MA  from the Slade School of Art in 2005, and is currently Programme Director for Fine Art at Cardiff School of Art and Design.   

Huge thanks to Wales Arts International to support the organisation to take part in this festival.