Jake Wood-Evans

British artist Jake Wood-Evans is set to unveil his latest collection, Nocturne, at Unit in 2025. This highly anticipated series of paintings delves into the enigmatic beauty and haunting allure of the nocturnal, showcasing Wood-Evans’ masterful use of light and shadow to evoke a sense of mystery and introspection.

“I’m fascinated by the coming and going of light, and the way it transforms the world around us,” says Wood-Evans. “In this collection, I wanted to explore the nocturnal not just as a physical space but as a psychological one – how the arrival of darkness can evoke both wonder and trepidation, solitude and connection. It’s a time when the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, and I wanted to examine that with these works.

The collection features a range of subjects illuminated by blooms of colour. Drawing inspiration in part from the rich tradition of nocturnes in art, Wood-Evans reimagines this classic theme with a contemporary appreciation. In a striking move from previous collections, he embraces a bold colour palette that draws comparisons with nature’s wild bioluminescence. Referencing a wide range of art historical influences, viewers may find traces of Constable, Monet, Turner or Whistler in these new works.