Charlie McFarley, 2025 
60 x 50 cm
Acrylic on canvas

Hackney native Charlie Mcfarley grew up in 1980s London and the eclectic energy of his urban environment played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey. Charlie’s passion for graffiti blossomed into a deeper involvement with the music and street cultures that defined the era, influencing his work and creative evolution. Charlie has exhibited in numerous acclaimed shows in the UK, including a recent group exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery. From his Minehead studio he continues his painting practice and designs large-scale community and commercial murals, while also leading regular art workshops for local youth.

“I felt very privileged being able to follow in Turner’s footsteps during my residency in Guernsey, filling my sketchbook with drawings made whilst standing in the spots that Turner once stood. Looking at the same views nearly 200 years later made me think about the physical and cultural changes that have taken place during this time. The artwork I have produced for this show, in response to Turner’s visit, aims to capture a contemporary vision of Turner’s Guernsey and add a modern twist to more traditional imagery. I have really enjoyed the challenge of pushing my work in new directions and re-embracing the fundamentals of drawing while staying true to my graffiti background. I believe Turner would have loved to have used spray paint in his work!”