Britain's What's On Event Guide
Artist-Paramedic Unveils Thamesmead's Huge 65m Public Installation
London-based artist and paramedic Charly Helyar unveils her latest large-scale public artwork in Thamesmead’s Cygnet Square, heart of a redevelopment by nonprofit social housing giants The Peabody Trust.
The work, entitled General Situation, is a sprawling sixty-five square meter illuminated shopfront painting exploring love, resilience, and survival in turbulent times.
Charly, who works as a frontline NHS paramedic as well as dedicating herself to art said: I created this work about people doing ordinary, human things. I was reflecting on love, war, and displacement—on how people persist, caring for those they love, and surviving despite everything.”
Charly also acts as a carer of her own blind mother, influencing her work. She 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.”
“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,”.
The work, entitled General Situation, is a sprawling sixty-five square meter illuminated shopfront painting exploring love, resilience, and survival in turbulent times.
Charly, who works as a frontline NHS paramedic as well as dedicating herself to art said: I created this work about people doing ordinary, human things. I was reflecting on love, war, and displacement—on how people persist, caring for those they love, and surviving despite everything.”
Charly also acts as a carer of her own blind mother, influencing her work. She 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.”
“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,”.
Free and open to all, no ticket required
16th January - 23rd February 2025, opening on 16th January 6-9pm
16th January - 23rd February 2025, opening on 16th January 6-9pm
Cygnet Square, London SE2 9FA
Thu 16 Jan, Sun 23 Feb
Website:
www.charlyhelyar.co.uk/