Comenius Project Highlight: Elias Chen ‘28

The Comenius Independent Study Program offers Merle-Smith Campus sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to pursue their interests through self-directed research and creative work, showcasing critical thinking, curiosity, and a passion for learning within the Moravian Academy community.

In his Comenius Project, Elias Chen ‘28 created sculptures utilizing multiple mechanisms of light to create color and shapes. The project marked his first experience working with mediums such as wood and metalworking, as well as his first time creating installation-style art.

His final project featured two completed pieces. One sculpture explored the nature of different types of polarized light and the isolation of color, while the second captured the behavior of light passing through water by freezing caustic light patterns into place.

Through experimentation with light, materials, and installation-based work, Elias’ project explored the visual effects and behavior of light in different forms, demonstrating the creativity and independent learning fostered through the Comenius Independent Study Program.