Massive 65m illuminated painting commissioned by not-for-profit property giant Peabody as part of push to create major new art hub in rundown Thamesmead. 

The work, entitled General Situation, is a sprawling 65 square meter illuminated shopfront painting exploring love, resilience, and survival in turbulent times. Her dramatic and striking work was conceived and developed while living in the heart of the Lesnes Estate, part of a large scale rebuild of the deprived Thamesmead area.

Charly, who also acts as a carer of her own blind mother, said: 

Without light we cannot see. I know it sounds obvious, but I think my mum going blind played a role in why I began illuminating my paintings and that sparked my current fascination with illumination. This time I wanted to make a large illuminated painting to brighten Cygnet Square during the winter months, while celebrating people’s ability to endure and care for each other, no matter the circumstances. At its core, the work reflects love as the most powerful force.”

Charly’s work draws on influences such as Renaissance altar pieces, Tiepolo’s grand frescoes, and Goya’s depictions of humanity. A small boy at the bottom of the huge work strikes a defiant pose, inspired by football star Kylian Mbappé’s signature celebration.

The artist’s community focused installations began in St. Louis, Senegal in December 2023 during her Waaw Residency where she created a floor-to-ceiling drawing reflecting life in St. Louis. 

I want people to get pleasure in art without having to read some nonsense on the wall or go to a stuffy gallery. My hope is that people will enjoy engaging with the figures and find their own connections to the themes within the work.”

On display from 16 January to 23 February 2025 (private view on 16 January from 6pm to 9pm)