4me4you Features - ‘Nocturne’.
Over time, this intense color is gradually subdued through layers of contrasting hues, yet the yellow always remains present, causing the paintings to glow with a mysterious light. This glowing quality creates an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere, with light emanating from within the canvases themselves.
The artist’s reimagining of art historical themes is also evident in Nocturne. Paying homage to the works of artists such as Turner, Sargent, and Monet, Wood-Evans explores the interplay of light and atmosphere, particularly through his depiction of a triptych of trumpet lilies glowing in shades of blue and purple.
He also draws inspiration from French artists like Nicolas Poussin, Clodion, and Bouguereau, weaving Bacchanalian themes of revelry and movement into his work. These figures, often set against a backdrop of darkness, evoke a sense of mystery—suggesting secretive, nocturnal activities that blur the lines between love, indulgence, and the supernatural.
A key influence on Wood-Evans’ work is the renowned painting Nocturne in Black and Gold by James McNeill Whistler, from which the exhibition takes its name. This work inspired Wood-Evans to move away from representational art and embrace a more atmospheric approach. His pieces, particularly the Illuminations series, embody this shift, with their shimmering surfaces symbolising the transient yet powerful burst of light, much like a firework explosion.
As we linger in the darkness, new details gradually emerge, encouraging a deeper contemplation of each piece. Nocturne ultimately reflects both the process of creation and removal, reminding us that what we see—or fail to see—can be just as meaningful as the elements that are plainly visible.
Artist: Jake Wood-Evans
