In boxes is a digital video installation that attempts to transform the abstract figure representing the number of deaths caused by the war in Iraq, estimated by many to be upwards of 60,000, into something more concrete.

Email and photo slideshows have become ubiquitous elements of contemporary life. We all know what's a lot of email, a helluva lot, and a shitload. In boxes translates the number 60,000 into email, and the sense of loss caused by war into slideshow. It is an attempt to capitalize on the intuitive sense that we all have nowadays of these common computing objects and use their weight to pull other levers.

In boxes consists of 2 video streams and one slideshow, all running in loop. The first video stream shows the creation of approximately 60,000 emails in Apple Mail. Simultaneously, the second video stream shows the deletion of approximately 60,000 emails in Microsoft Outlook. This occurs over 7 minutes, after which the first video begins deleting emails and the second begins creating. The creating/deleting process repeats ad infinitum. All the while a laptop cycles through an imagined photographic slideshow of those unfortunately touched by the war. Aurally, the video deleting emails makes the classic "emptying the trash" sound for each deleted email while the laptop plays the default iPhoto slideshow musical accompaniment, Minuet in G by Bach.

As an installation, In boxes consists of 3 computers, one normal sized desk and office chair. Videos run approximately 14’00 in loop.

In boxes was created using custom software.