By Artist Debjyoti Saha
The hurricane lantern, once an essential object in everyday life, now stands at the edge of disappearance. Before the widespread availability of electricity, it served as a primary source of light in homes, on ships, and in outdoor environments. Its unique design, with a protective glass chimney, allowed the flame to withstand strong winds, making it both practical and reliable.
Beyond its functional value, the hurricane lantern carries deep emotional and cultural significance. For many, it represents childhood memories, moments of togetherness, and a slower, more intimate way of living. During power outages, the soft glow of the lantern created a sense of warmth and security that modern artificial lighting often fails to replicate.
In contemporary society, rapid technological advancements have replaced such objects with electric and digital alternatives. As a result, the lantern has shifted from being a necessity to becoming a symbol—one that reflects resilience, continuity, and the persistence of memory.
Through my artistic practice, particularly in my installation “The Unquenchable Form,” I attempt to revive the presence of the hurricane lantern. By recontextualizing it within contemporary art, I explore how objects can carry personal and collective histories. The repetition of forms, the play of light and shadow, and the use of textured materials aim to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
This work is not merely about nostalgia; it is about understanding how the past continues to shape our present. The lantern, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for endurance—an unextinguished flame that survives despite change.
Ultimately, revisiting such objects allows us to reconnect with forgotten narratives and appreciate the cultural values embedded within them. The hurricane lantern, though fading from daily use, continues to illuminate our memories and identities.