A Discarded People (2021)

Image Description: The installation sits on a grid created with charcoal. Divided in two, figures sit on the floor and are hung above in the grid on the wall. All figures are made from found trash. The figures pinned on the wall resemble legs, made out of various materials like twigs, wrappers, and glass. The figures on the ground resemble torsos, made out of materials like leaves, bottle caps, and pencils. The torsos reach and climb towards the grid and the legs.

The torsos below crawl and climb to reach the legs above. All they want is to become whole again. This piece is about that struggle to be functional, normal, whole. Even when doing so is detrimental to yourself. The grid represents society systematically not addressing issues of accessibility for those in need. I use trash both to comment on the fragility associated with disability, but to also elevate the materials along with my community. We are a discarded people.

About the Creator

Charlie Reynolds ( he/ him) is a conceptual artist who explores themes of war, gender, and disability using fibers, installations, and sculpture. During his time at the University of Michigan, Charlie hopes to expand his practice with a specific interest in weaving, hand dyeing, and quilting.

Image description: Charlie is a young white man with short brown hair. He is wearing glasses and a white shirt with colorful stripes. He is looking at the camera with trees in the background.