Cheryl Marie Wade's Disability-Fueled Humor Takes Over Palais de Tokyo

The Palais de Tokyo in Paris presents 'Cheryl Marie Wade, reine-mère des noueux,' an exhibition dedicated to the late American performer, poet, and artist Cheryl Marie Wade (1948–2013). Wade, who had rheumatoid arthritis, transformed her disability into a powerful artistic tool, using humor to challenge ableism. The show, curated by Étienne Chosson and Lucie Camous, runs from April 3 to September 13, 2026. It features Wade's one-woman show, where she recounts being objectified by doctors and strangers, and builds a proud persona inspired by Édith Piaf. Wade was discovered by Chosson through documentarian Diane Maroger and his platform CrashRoom.ooo, which translates texts by disabled and neurodivergent artists. The exhibition also includes works by contemporary artists like Joseph Grigely, who address accessibility and inaccessibility. Wade, who grew up in poverty and was homebound until age 26, later studied at UC Berkeley's disability program, joined the Wry Crips poets group, and launched her career. The show aims to highlight the ongoing relevance of her themes.