The Three Graces

Shaina Craft, Helen Flockhart, Radu Oreian, Nooka Shepherd, Paula Turmina, Jake Wood-Evans, Francesco Zanatta

In celebration of Women’s History Month and the arrival of spring, Unit is delighted to present a new group exhibition, The Three Graces. Inspired by the timeless mythological theme of the Charites or Graces - goddesses associated with femininity, fertility, virtue, and creativity - the exhibition offers a contemporary re-evaluation of these iconic figures.

The Three Graces, Euphrosyne (joy), Aglaia (beauty), and Thalia (festivity), have captivated artists throughout history, from Botticelli to Picasso. Traditionally depicted nude and entwined in a close embrace, they symbolise idealised beauty and femininity. However, in modern times, this imagery has been recontextualized to explore feminist and political ideas, challenging conventional notions of beauty and the female form.

Curated by Unit, The Three Graces brings together a diverse group of artists who are revisiting this common theme alongside broader mythological tropes. Through their work, they explore how these images can be re-evaluated and reconfigured through a contemporary lens.

Jake Wood-Evans presents ghostly figures that swim before us as visions from the past, inviting us to revisit art historical narratives with a contemporary understanding. Helen Flockhart examines specific mythological figures, exploring the dissonate beauty and amorality of mythology and its impact on contemporary consciousness. Paula Turmina merges elven or nymph-like figures with nature, drawing parallels to classical myths of transformation.

Francesco Zanatta's artworks focus on the concept of Kairos, blending depictions of flowers as harbingers of spring with mythological imagery. Nooka Shepherd and Shaina Craft delve into realms of folklore and myth, challenging idealistic visions of beauty and exploring themes of bodily autonomy and connection to nature. Radu Oreian's paintings pulsate with details, exploring human touch and the importance of physical intimacy in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

The Three Graces demonstrates the enduring relevance of a timeless mythological image and the persistent need to reevaluate themes from the past. The artists propel the Graces from mere muses to active forces that reflect and reshape our lived experiences. Addressing notions of female representation and societal biases, the exhibition not only acknowledges the power of myth but harnesses it to leave an enduring mark on the canvas of our contemporary mindset.

Shaina Craft is an American figurative oil painter living in London and working in the realm of contemporary realism. Craft’s technique is grounded in the historical precedent of the Italian Baroque, yet adapted to express a contemporary alternative to the abasement of the female nude. Her practice is informed by an obsession with flesh and bodies, a critical perspective on the viewer/subject relationship, and an exploration of the grotesque/sublime.

Helen Flockhart (b. 1963) is a painter born in Hamilton, Scotland. Her paintings are lush and imaginative tributes to the distinctive British tradition of myth-making focusing on nature and spirituality, reminiscent of William Blake. Recent solo exhibition, In Elysian Fields, at Arusha Gallery in London (2023). Recent group exhibitions include Hawthorn and the Feast of Julian, Arusha Gallery Summer Series, New York (2023); Eye of the Collector Art Fair, London (2023) and A closed door, a den, Arusha Gallery, Bruton (2023). Her works reside in prominent collections such as the Fleming Collection, the Scottish Arts Council, Strathclyde University and the Lillie.

Radu Oreian (b. 1984, Tarnaveni, Romania) currently lives and works in France. He was awarded his first degree in 2005 at the University of Art and Design of Cluj-Napoca and he continued his studies at National University of Art of Bucharest where he graduated in 2007. Radu Oreian’s practice has at its core the classical mediums of drawing and painting and explores the way history, ancient myths and archives shape our society and our understanding of humanity. Oreian’s works have been acquired by Taubmann Museum of Art, Roanoke, VA, La Foundazion, Rome, Italy and Sandretto Collection, Milan, Italy.

Jake Wood-Evans (b. 1980) is considered one of the leading figures of contemporary British painting. Drawing on the legacy of 18th century British masters, his work has been viewed as much-needed escapism from a world dominated by the digital and has been exhibited widely across the UK, as well as in international galleries and art fairs. In 2025, Wood-Evans will present his first institutional solo presentation in the UK, at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Nooka Shephard (b. 1998) is a multimedia artist based between London and the West Country. Their practice revolves around the exploration of internal landscapes and their works in paint, sculpture and embroidery aim to communicate a deeply personal and intimate relationship to the natural world. A marked focus on femininity, matrilineal ancestry and fertility are conduits for Nooka to connect with those who precede them. They aim to reach back beyond the human to our animal, plant and microbial ancestors.

Paula Turmina (b. 1991) is a Brazilian multidisciplinary artist, living and working in London. Her art envisions a post-apocalyptic world where figures blend into nature, exploring humanity’s connection to the land. Her recent solo exhibitions include Thriving Through (Chaos), Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, London (2023) and Membrane, Sens Gallery, Hong Kong (2023).

Francesco Zannatta (b. 1989) in Treviso, IT. He graduated in 2018 in Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice with professor Carlo Di Raco. In 2015, he attended the Lahti University of Applied Sciences, FI. In 2016 he was artist in residence at the Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation in Venice. In 2021 he has been selected by curator Luca Massimo Barbero (Cini Foundation, Guggenheim Museum) for the project Venice Time Case, a travelling exhibition around Europe (among others: Tommaso Calabro Gallery, Milan; Galerie Italienne, Paris), that is still ongoing.