The artwork “Empathy Boxes,” is an interactive installation designed to involve individuals both as observers and as participants. Suspended in the space are a number of box-like structures, each one seemingly enclosing a space that participants can enter. This arrangement allows for a dual experience: from the outside, viewers can perceive the installation as a whole and see people interacting with the boxes; from the inside, participants can engage directly with the artwork in a more personal and enclosed environment.
The concept of “Empathy Boxes” resonates with the idea of creating a connection or a shared experience among participants. The design is reminiscent of pre-virtual and augmented reality techniques, aiming to establish a form of interaction and immersion without digital technology. By physically entering the boxes, participants are prompted to feel a sense of empathy or connection, possibly with the art itself or with the other participants sharing the space. Developed in the early 2000s, this piece predates the widespread use of VR/AR and demonstrates an early interest in creating immersive and interactive experiences within the realm of art.
The project realized in collaboration with Tijana Knezevic and DezOrg art group