Bowen Chu

My thesis project is a laser-cut lantern exploring the theme "Memory of Light." The lantern symbolizes light and hope and serves as a carrier of memory. The design reflects fragmentary memories of my family, childhood, and the process of growing up. The patterns on the lantern include abstract shapes recalling memories, such as flowers in windowboxes outside the houses of my hometown, silhouettes of my childhood toys, and the stars I once gazed at. The patterns are engraved on each panel of the lantern through laser-cutting. Shining light through the lantern produces an impression like a memory slowly emerging at night. This work expresses the idea that memory is part of our inner light—that it does not fade away but quietly illuminates us from time to time.