Contemplating Movement (2021)

Image Description: On the floor, a wheelchair is laid out disassembled with all its parts laid out in an organized grid.

326 individual parts, laid out for inspection and contemplation. For nearly five years, this device was methodically folded and unfolded, for the sake of my autonomy. The dependence I had on this machine became spiritual. To take it apart was like doing an autopsy on an old friend. By taking it apart, I sought to both lay the object to rest and understand something more about it. The logistics and complexity of the object, laid out for view with the tinge of sadness reserved for a first love.

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 white shirt with colorful stripes. He is looking at the camera with trees in the background.