WAYNE THOMAS  ONEIROPHRENIA 

A solo exhibition of works on canvas~ 1st – 28th February 2025 

The Seaside Gallery, Volcano Theatre, 27-29 High St, Swansea SA1 1LG 

Oneir ́o~phrenia n. 

(from the Greek words “övetoos” (oneiros, “dream“) and “pony” (phren, “mind“) 

~ a dreamlike, hallucinatory state somewhat resembling schizophrenia in certain symptoms, such as disturbances of emotion and associations, oneirophrenia being distinguished by disturbances of the senses and clouding of consciousness. 

~ it is associated with prolonged sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, or drug use, [first described in the 1950s by Hungarian–born U.S. psychiatrist Ladislas von Meduna (1896–1964)] 

BELFAS 

Wayne Thomas lives and works in London. 

Born in Swansea, Wayne’s early years were absorbed by football playing for the junior teams of Cardiff City and Wales. He then found success through music with his band, Trampolene, chalking up two Top 20 (and Indie no.1) albums as he relentlessly toured the UK and Europe. 

All the while he developed his visual art, embracing creative expression as an alternative avenue for self–discovery and fulfilment, which has recently taken him to Berlin for group exhibitions. 

– I See You; Napoleon Komplex, 2023 

– Recycling Narratives; Kunstquartier Bethanien, 2024. 

This year sees Wayne working on a full collection and hosting his first solo show in Swansea in February 2025. He says of the inspiration for his paintings: 

“Throughout my life I’ve been curious about dream states. The unknown, unexplained stories, feelings, thoughts and imagery all humans experience. 

Finding comfort in expression without need of explanation, I hope to conjure up more questions than answers. I see my work as open ended, learning in the process and passing curiosity on to the viewer. 

This collection is an exploration of what might happen in the future as technology and Ai collide with human existence. Who will be the gods we model ourselves on?” 

Preview show ~ Saturday 1st February from 6pm.