Chelsea Maqueda-Alvarado: Fluxus Box

View #1 of closed box

View #2 of closed box

View #3 of open box with objects inside

View #4 of open box with objects inside

View #5 of open box with objects inside

View #6 of objects outside of the box

Fluxus Box

Place Within the Universe

Cardboard, tissue paper, modge podge, masking tape, hot glue, air-dry clay, acrylic paint

[insert project size]

Artist Statement

The overall design of this box is meant to reflect the theme of finding a place to belong through the aching desire for love and connection. I constructed the box's shape based on an anatomical heart to represent love. And the bold red color of the exterior stresses how strong that desire is. Upon removing the lid and examining the interior, the painted galaxy symbolizes the feeling of endlessly searching for somewhere to belong in life. The miniature clay human is painted in the same bold red as the exterior to connect the element of longing and desire. The figure itself is placed inside of a sun-shaped compartment which further plays on the celestial design of the box. Having the figure placed in the center gives it an isolated feeling while the sculpted stars and planets revolve around him. The quality specifically symbolizing how the chance to finding connection and companionship is possible, yet forever out of reach.

Notes

The name of my movie is Frankenstein (2025)

The construction of the box and storage compartment consisted of carving out the exact shapes from cardboard, and measuring several pieces to ensure they properly fit together perfectly. When assembling the pieces, I utilized masking tape to secure the structure of the box. However, the sun-shaped compartment was attached to the box's interior with a hot glue gun to create a seamless appearance. When making the clay miniatures, I carefully formed the material into my desired shapes and used water and the end of a paintbrush to smooth out any creases or lumps.