Featured image: Every Little Thing - Salvage Series, Charlene Moy, 2023, mixed media, 24 x 36 in. / 60.96 x 91.44 cm.
Charlene Moy’s art is a vivid and haunting exploration of humanity’s impact on the environment.
Charlene Moy is an environmental artist who creates mixed-media works using upcycled and non-recyclable materials. Her art critiques pollution and its effects on nature, transforming discarded items into powerful visual narratives about environmental degradation.
Through her use of upcycled materials and mixed media, Moy addresses the pressing issue of pollution, transforming discarded and non-recyclable items into intricate and thought-provoking works of art. Her recent pieces, including They’re Everywhere, Keep Out of the Water, and We Will Survive, not only capture the beauty of nature but also highlight the growing threats posed by human activity. Moy’s art serves as both a celebration of the natural world and a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental neglect.
Explore our curated selection of contemporary artists from around the globe.
Naturalist Gallery offers artist representation internationally. Apply your art.
They’re Everywhere (2023)
They're Everywhere, Charlene Moy, 2023, mixed media, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
They’re Everywhere reflects on the pervasive presence of microplastics, even in the most remote and pristine locations. Inspired by the discovery of microplastics in the clouds above Mt. Fuji, this piece is a visual testament to the insidious spread of pollution. Moy employs materials that are emblematic of this pollution—used dryer sheets, styrofoam, and various plastics—to create a textured landscape that contrasts the natural majesty of Mt. Fuji with the synthetic detritus that now infiltrates it. The use of non-recyclable materials in the artwork not only critiques the prevalence of plastic waste but also serves as a metaphor for the irreversible impact of pollution on the environment.
Keep Out of the Water (2023)
Keep Out of the Water, Charlene Moy, 2023, mixed media, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
In Keep Out of the Water, Moy confronts the dangers that pollution poses to marine life. The piece, constructed from a range of harmful and non-recyclable materials like used masks, plastics, and styrofoam, depicts a chaotic and polluted seascape. The swirling, tumultuous waters filled with debris serve as a powerful visual representation of the environmental degradation occurring in oceans worldwide. Moy’s use of upcycled watercolors adds a layer of irony, as the vibrant colors typically associated with life and beauty are here used to illustrate decay and contamination. Keep Out of the Water is a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation.
We Will Survive (2024)
We Will Survive, Charlene Moy, 2024, mixed media, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
We Will Survive shifts focus to the resilience of certain species, particularly jellyfish, in the face of rising temperatures and environmental changes. Moy uses materials like acrylic skins, styrofoam, and dollhouse accessories to create a dynamic underwater scene dominated by jellyfish, a species known for thriving in warmer, more polluted waters. The piece is a commentary on the shifting balance of marine ecosystems, where species that can adapt to harsh conditions flourish while others are forced to retreat. We Will Survive is both a celebration of nature’s resilience and a cautionary tale about the consequences of climate change.
Charlene Moy’s work is a powerful fusion of environmental advocacy and artistic expression. By repurposing non-recyclable materials into intricate artworks, Moy not only highlights the beauty of the natural world but also underscores the urgent need for environmental stewardship. Her pieces are a call to action, reminding viewers of the impact of pollution on our planet and the resilience of nature in the face of adversity.
Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Up and Away From the Ghosts Nets, Charlene Moy, 2024, mixed media, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
You may also find the following articles helpful:
The 14 Essential Artists of Impressionism
Expressionism: 20 Iconic Paintings & Their Artists
Renaissance Art: Origins, Influences, and Key Figures
Classical Art Movement: Exploring the History, Artists, and Artworks
Figurative Art: Understanding, Collecting, and Appreciating the Style
Daily Routines of Famous Artists: Learn from the Masters
Top 12 Controversial Artworks That Changed Art History