Free Gift Box

Form: Participatory Installation

Date: Mar 2016

The “Free Gift Box” triggered an experience of facing aspiration and unexpected result. A clear acrylic box contains of snacks and groceries as “free gifts.” There is a 4-inch diameter hole on the topside of the box that allows audience to put a hand in. They were allowed to take away any gift inside the box if they can. However, each single “gift” was either bigger or about the same size as the hole. They cannot be pulled out through the hole with a hand holding it. Most audience figured the result was unexpected after they tried. The reactions were various after. Some audience tried every object in the box, some only tried one. Some were upset by the result, some were amused. All reactions were recorded by a camera. This piece was also a metaphor of unrequited aspirations.

“免费礼物箱”是一个参与型装置。透明的亚克力盒子内装满小礼物，旁边信息牌告知参与者：内容物全部是免费礼物，欢迎带走。盒子上方开3.5英寸直径小洞，可通过一只手。洞口与盒子内的小礼物体积都经过计算筛选，只要手里拿了东西便不可通过。 作品讽刺消费主义文化下商家的各种“优惠”与“折扣”。在商业社会上并没有真正的免费午餐，羊毛出在羊身上。作品也通过“免费”“礼物”等字眼和实际无法拿出物品的结果，在几分钟内让消费者体验了一次期待与失望的心理落差。