The Box as a Childhood Closet

In this project, I plan to create a small black cubic box that reflects memories of my childhood. The box will open and close with a key, and it will be filled with photos, objects, and materials like fabric and small mirrors to intensify the feeling of limitation and endless repetition. Inside the box, there will also be a small lightbox that shows images in a sequence with dim or flickering lights, narrating the gradual experience of claustrophobia.

This artwork focuses on the impact of childhood games on the unconscious mind and the development of psychological issues in adulthood. Inspired by Freud’s theories, I explore how simple childhood experiences, like being locked in confined spaces, can lead to mental health issues such as claustrophobia. Adding subtle sounds like breathing or the sound of a lock clicking could engage the audience in a multi-sensory experience.

The details of the lock and key are also symbolic; they may have a special design that connects to my childhood. The box’s size is deliberately chosen to make the audience uncomfortable—not too small to be easily carried, nor too large to feel practical—enhancing the sense of restriction and anxiety. My goal is to create a tangible experience of these emotions for the audience.

This artwork will be displayed in an enclosed space, inviting the audience to reflect on their own memories and the unconscious impact these memories have on their daily lives.

Comments