UnBox (2008)

Christensen's large-scale architectural structure, UnBox (2008), is a reaction and response to the big box concept. Her UnBox 
demonstrates values and conventions opposed to the superstore sort: it is modular, transportable, easily reusable, and made of regional 
and recycled materials. Christensen and her interns never stepped foot inside a big box retailer to build UnBox: the wood is local poplar, 
milled by a local miller, and the other materials were found in local shops.  The structure folds out to roughly 1500 square feet, and can
fold up into a box that is 6 x 6 x 9 feet in size.  Furthermore, UnBox is activated for creative and social uses, rather than retail purposes, 
by various local groups who can propose events to take place within this new facility.  While on display at the Miller Gallery at Carnegie 
Mellon University as a part of Christensen's solo show, Your Town, Inc., Unbox was used for local historic preservation board meetings, 
bike coalition events, reading groups, and art projects.  The installation enables discussion about urgent issues such as sustainability, 
user-friendliness, and reusability.  The art work acts as a catalyst to get the public into the gallery, and the art is an accessible entry point 
to discuss and learn about the related issues.  

CLICK HERE FOR INSTALLATION VIEWS AT THE MILLER GALLERY


CLICK HERE FOR STUDIO SHOTS IN OBERLIN, OHIO





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