Schachtel : Ich, Box vs. Me

Projection, height 2,0m, Hard Disk, 1’52” (Loop), 2006

In the video installation “Box vs. me”, Roland Wegerer delves into the dynamic relationship between the human body and a simple, everyday object: the box. Through a meticulously composed loop of 112 sequential images, the work investigates how the body interacts with and responds to the box in a series of evolving scenarios. This exploration is presented at a striking scale, with the projection reaching two meters in height, immersing viewers in the subtle choreography between human and object.

The investigation unfolds in three distinct sections, each examining a different state of the box in relation to the body. The first section presents the body in various positions around a closed box, emphasizing the boundaries, limitations, and possibilities that arise when confronted with a sealed and impenetrable object. This stage invites reflection on the nature of obstacles and the ways in which we define and are defined by our environment.

In the second and third sections, the focus shifts to a semi-open and then a fully open box. Here, the interactions become more complex and nuanced, as the body negotiates new forms of access, entry, and engagement. The progression from closed to open mirrors a journey from restriction to potential, from containment to liberation—a recurring theme in Wegerer’s multidisciplinary oeuvre.

Each image in the series is displayed for one second, creating a rhythmic, almost cinematic flow that blurs the line between still photography and moving image. This technique is emblematic of Wegerer’s approach to contemporary media art, where digital technologies and interdisciplinary methods are used to probe current cultural and societal questions. The work also exemplifies his concept of expanded sculpture, in which the sculptural object is not static but becomes a dynamic, performative experience shaped by time, space, and interaction.

Through this installation, Wegerer invites viewers to reconsider their own relationship with objects, space, and the structures that frame their lives. His creative drive and passion for innovation, encapsulated in his motto “Creativity is my drive, innovation my passion,” are evident in the way he transforms a simple box into a catalyst for reflection and discovery.

Ultimately, “Box vs. me” is a compelling example of how contemporary media art can expand our understanding of sculpture, performance, and the everyday, encouraging us to see both ourselves and our surroundings in new and unexpected ways.