Discarded
Kendy Paxia
20 pages
https://linktr.ee/Missmuffcake
Discarded is a quarter-sized, full colour photography zine featuring discarded plush and other toys.
Discarded opens with an introduction to the zine: inspired by a photo that Kendy’s boyfriend Matthew took of an abandoned squishmallow. As with many sparks of inspiration, it grew from there being also fuelled by a curiosity for how the toys found out in public get there.
From there, we venture into a collection of photos of discarded toys. Each page features one full-colour photo of a toy along with credit in name, location, and – when available – social handle.
Some are dirty. Some are old. Some look downright sinister; but then again, I did always find dolls a little creepy. And all of them with no indication to what led them to be in their current environment.
Like other art, this zine is as fast or as slow as you want it to be. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a writer and look for the story in everything, but I found myself really taking my time and thinking of all the stories of these plushies. Were they lost? Dropped? Discarded? As well as all the possible things the imagery of the lost toys could represent. So many possibilities.
All up, though melancholy (with the paths my mind wandered while looking at this zine), I quite enjoyed Discarded. It got my mind working in so many different directions, and I always appreciate that.
Even better? I believe there is a second issue on its way. So if you’re interested in being a contributor, definitely get in touch with Kendy.