What do the 800 plastic boxes represent in the art installation?

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The 800 plastic boxes in Tan Lay Heong's "Between 01" art installation represent the isolation and widening societal gaps experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The art installation "Between 01" by Tan Lay Heong utilises 800 upcycled clear plastic boxes to visually articulate the profound sense of isolation and disconnection fostered by the Covid-19 pandemic. These boxes, each containing a cut-out leaf depicting a human figure, hand, or foot, are suspended at varying heights. Their arrangement, close together yet some not touching, symbolises how individuals, despite being in proximity, remain confined within their personal spaces, mirroring the social distancing measures and the resulting emotional distance.
Symbolism of Personal Space and Widening Gaps

The arrangement of the 800 plastic boxes, suspended at different heights and in close proximity with some gaps, is central to conveying the installation's message. This physical representation highlights how people can observe each other but are fundamentally separated, existing within their own defined "boxes" or personal zones. This visual metaphor directly addresses the widening chasms between individuals that the pandemic has exacerbated, illustrating a breakdown in natural social interaction.
Representation of Loss and Emptiness

Within the total of 800 boxes, 400 are intentionally left empty. These empty containers serve a dual purpose: they represent individuals who have been lost to the pandemic, acknowledging the widespread grief and absence. Furthermore, they signify the profound sense of emptiness and the psychological void that prolonged isolation and the pandemic experience have inflicted upon many.
Connection to Takeaway Culture During Lockdowns

The choice of upcycled clear plastic boxes specifically references the increased reliance on takeaway food services during national lockdowns. When dining out became impossible, these boxes became a common feature of daily life, symbolising the shift in consumption patterns and the ways in which people adapted to restrictions. Tan Lay Heong collected these boxes, often used for food takeaways, starting in April of the same year, gathering over 1,500 through social media requests, far exceeding her initial needs for the installation.

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What do the 800 plastic boxes represent in the art installation?

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