Lanterns represent light and symbolize a brighter future. It is the significance and meaning behind the tradition of hanging lanterns in Chinese culture that inspired artist Yu-Wen Wu to propose a public art piece, responding to The Rose Kennedy Greenway’s call for project ideas. When Wu’s concept was chosen, she began designing a work called “Lantern Stories” that would be installed in Chinatown’s Chin Park.
“The concept proposed by the Greenway was for a light based artwork at Chin Park working with the community,” said Wu, who was born in Taipei, Taiwan and now lives and works in Boston. “Over many months, when I spoke with community organizers, residents, businesses, or even passers-by, as I sketched ideas in the park, I thought it was really important to honor the tradition of lanterns but in a contemporary way. This artwork is designed for the daytime, as well as the nighttime. I hope at first, one experiences beauty and hope in these difficult times. And as you draw closer and look more deeply, appreciate the history of the people and culture that make this community extraordinary and resilient.”
On July 21, the Greenway Conservancy held a webinar on “Lantern Stories”, discussing the project and highlighting the importance of public art. The talk was moderated by Greenway Conservancy public art project manager Sheila Novak and featured speakers Wu, Jeena Hah, of the Asian Community Development Corporation, and Courtney Ho, City of Boston engagement specialist. The discussion followed Wu’s creative process and explored the importance of preserving Asian culture in a gentrifying Chinatown.
Wu said that it was very clear to her that the work should represent the Chinatown community and reflect the experiences of the local people. She randomly approached individuals to engage in conversation in the park and at neighborhood businesses, reaching out to residents who she knew of as well. In February, the Greenway Conservancy hosted a more formalized listening session at the Pao Arts Center to gather community input through a public call. Wu posed questions to the attendees, who wrote responses on post-it notes.
“I asked questions such as, ‘What does light mean to you?’ ‘In what ways does Chinatown interest you?’ ‘What does Chinatown mean to you?’ ‘What are your hopes for Boston’s Chinatown?’” said Wu. “A participant wrote, ‘Chinatown is such a wonderful neighborhood, in its community and culture. A lot of the community stems from the collective stories of immigration. It has built a sense of belonging that has lasted through history until now.”
Based on the stories and histories that Wu collected, she began to conceptualize a work of art. She designed over 30 lanterns with a variety of shapes and forms to illuminate the culture and resiliency of the Chinatown community, creating most of her designs in her own studio. The images on the lanterns convey the accounts and messages she found, telling tales of endurance, particularly in the face of anti-Asian sentiment and racial inequities. Wu worked with Jaywalk Studio, which has been participating in the actual fabrication of the lanterns. While imagining the models, the creators had to consider how the lanterns would withhold weather conditions, such as wind and rain, and have thought of using compressed wood for the frames. Wu said that the collaboration has been very fruitful.
Panelists spoke about what they would like people to experience when they see the lanterns, which will be installed around early September. Wu said that she hopes spectators will acknowledge their beauty, while Ho said that she hopes more people will want to visit Chinatown. Viewers may also see a reflection of themselves through the artwork, said Hah.
“I think my personal hope is that they’ll just really see themselves in the art,” said Hah. “Feeling safe in a public space is what will lend itself to more healing and joy, coming out of this season.”
