BA (Hons) Fine Art Alumni Charly Mupenga opened the first exhibition at The Factory Window on 46 Linthorpe Road this February with a solo show of his original pieces.

Charly is an extraordinary contemporary impressionist painter and muralist hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now based in Teesside, and a graduate of our BA (Hons) Fine Art degree, Charly’s work is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the raw political and social realities of his homeland. His art is a bold act of witness—bringing to life the conflicts, injustices, and vulnerability faced by those living in the DRC. Through his vivid canvases, Charly gives voice to the collective memory and individual struggles of his people.

Renowned for his emotional and captivating portraits, Charly’s work focuses on the untold stories of the marginalized—children with penetrating gazes, women carrying silent histories, and entire communities on the fringes. Every piece invites you to witness the untold narratives of resilience, strength, and humanity.

Speaking of how the exhibition came about Charly commented “Claire Harrison, the project manager at Factory Gallery, contacted me. We had a meeting where she explained the project and expressed interest in seeing my work. I showed her some of my pieces, which she really liked. She asked if I would be interested in an exhibition. The team was fantastic! They were very supportive and enthusiastic about my work. They helped me bring my vision to life. ”

Creative Factory’s Director Claire Harrison said “I met Charly when we both worked on ‘Blank Canvas’ for SIRF 22 and loved his bold use of colour and the sensitivity with which he depicts people and their lives, especially the way he draws attention to those on the margins and edges of society.”

“At Creative Factory, our mission is to support artists by providing sustainable spaces and The Factory Window is just one of the ways we can do this. 46 Linthorpe Road is soon to be developed into an exciting creative hub, including studios and other types of workspace. In the meantime, Charly’s work provides a much-appreciated pop of colour to the shoppers on Linthorpe Road, while highlighting important issues of inequality and injustice.”

Reflecting on the work in the exhibition Charly said “I am presenting figurative works that explore vulnerability and resilience, particularly in women and children. Imagine bold textures and expressive colours. Among the pieces, you will see a small child with a sad face and a woman carrying a bird with a broken wing on her shoulder.”

“Visitors can expect an immersive experience. I used my fingers, combined with pieces of wood and a brush, to create unique textures and add depth to the stories.”

If you are interested in learning more about how to can get involved in Creative Factory make sure you check  out their website.

The exhibition opens on Friday, February 13th, and will run through Saturday March 6th, with viewing hours Thursday to Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM. 

Interested in studying a degree in fine art? Make sure you check out our dynamic programme here.