Untitled/Clothesline
1992

Charles LeDray transforms everyday items so that they appear miniaturized or otherwise intentionally manipulated in scale—a choice that enables his works to function metaphorically rather than as readymade objects. As he has said, all of his work is the actual size it needs to be. While LeDray’s work is devoid of figuration, it nonetheless suggests the human form by association and encourages viewers to project their own imagined narratives. Untitled/Clothesline, produced through the artist’s characteristically labor-intensive process, is comprised of eleven diminutive hand-sewn garments such as jackets, pants, and sweaters. Like a fallen banner, they extend down the wall in a vertical line. While each item suggests individual personality and experiences, the pieces of clothing joined together resemble a line of people holding hands.