Shared Purpose

(Top) BXP commissioned sculpture B'Yachad (Bottom Row, L to R) Details of sculpture and AFH 3D Teen Designers after assembling (Photo Credit: AFH Teen Photographer Quan Le).

Every month we collaborate with our long-time partner BXP to feature a new AFH teen photographer on the digital kiosks spread across Pru Boston. Over the course of several years we have featured and celebrated work by many of our teen artists.

It also has been an annual tradition for BXP to commission AFH to design a celebratory Hanukkah piece for the Pru. Inspired by the Hebrew word "B'Yachad" or "together," this year a seven-foot, dreidel-inspired sculpture emerged. Though traditionally a toy, the dreidel design is a homage, engraved on each side with a Hebrew letter—nun, gimel, he, and shin (or po)—which together stand for nes gadol haya sham, meaning “a great miracle happened there (here).”  The sculpture symbolizes a calling for families and friends to gather—to play, eat, share traditions, express gratitude, and strengthen ties. It will be up for viewing through January 2, 2025.

Made of brushed aluminum and powder coated steel, B’Yachad then became the subject of our Pru's December digital photography feature. AFH teen photographer Quan Le both documented the assembly of the sculpture, as teen artists do for every AFH studio project, using his creativity to capture teen spirit! Whether documenting an AFH project or working on a client project Quan's dedicated.

AFH Teen Photographer Quan Le (L), Quan's documentation of AFH's 3D Teen Designers assembling the B'Yachad sculpture designed by AFH's 3D Design Studio (C), and Quan editing his work in studio (R).

Originally from Saigon, Quan landed in Boston at 15 already in love with photography, inspired by the teachings, videos and photos his father took for their church. A month after landing in the US, Quan had heard about AFH from a school friend and applied. He remembers the day well, as it was snowing and he wasn’t quite an expert with Boston’s T system, so he arrived a half hour early to make sure he was there on time. And to his delight, he was offered a job in the Photography Studio.

Two years later, Quan is experiencing things he would have never imagined, including the opportunity to test different cameras and lenses, how to write an artist statement, and how to shoot and develop B&W film. But Quan’s love remains with digital photography, it's where his imagination is endless and his creativity thrives. He said, “It’s not just the click of a button, it’s also a passion…the elaborateness…the soul of the picture.” 

Quan remains passionate about his photography and thrilled to be showcased in Pru’s digital gallery, supported by one of his mentors, Photographer John Brewer.  Visitors to Pru can experience both the sculpture and Quan’s photography during this festive season.

But our BXP partnership this year does not stop here, as we are celebrating the creativity and talent of our teen artists and designers during “Art in The Exchange” at 100 Federal St. through February 2025. AFH’s art exhibit will be open to the public weekdays from 7am-9pm and weekends from 8am-4pm. 

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