The core concept of this installation draws inspiration from the Chinese tradition of the "wish tree." For centuries, people have hung red ribbons on thriving trees, believing that doing so would carry their wishes and prayers. The higher the ribbons are placed, the stronger the belief that the wish will be granted. In The Forest of Wishes, LEGO® bricks replace the red ribbons as the medium of wishes. Children can build LEGO® seeds and add them to the ever-growing forest, planting their own dreams and becoming part of the artwork. This interaction transforms the work from a mere display into a collective expression of shared hopes.

“Through continuous play, we cultivate an ever-growing imagination,” says Chen. In the "forest," tree roots are encircled by hand-holding "happy minifigures," symbolizing children playing around trees with their imagination. The tree trunks are constructed from LEGO® bricks, mimicking the intricate cut-out patterns of paper art. The entire space is bathed in ever-shifting light, creating a dynamic atmosphere where the LEGO® bricks seem to come to life. Each new LEGO® seed added by the audience symbolizes a new hope, infusing the “forest” with energy.