The Distance Between Us is an interactive sculpture piece that looks at how safe a person really is when someone infected with COVID-19 is or is not wearing a mask around an uninfected person. I wanted to create a piece that was informative, but also interactive because I feel when the user can take part in the artwork, they can get a greater feel of how important mask wearing and social distancing is. The Distance Between Us focuses on the role of emotions connected to human interactions with one another and how COVID-19 has created a conflict between safety and the need to fulfill social needs. When the viewer interacts with the sculpture, they have to make the decision to keep their distance and sacrifice their happiness and need for human interaction or sacrifice their health and the health of others for selfish gains.
Initial sketch
Progress shot
Wiring inside the head
Wiring inside the base