Journey of Light:
A 1975 Memory Field
An illuminated temporary installation honoring the Vietnamese diaspora
Journey of Light: A 1975 Memory Field Opens in Dorchester
Boston, MA - September 2025. The community and greater public is invited to the opening of Journey of Light: A 1975 Memory Field, a temporary public art installation led by artist Ngọc-Trân Vũ and the Project Team, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 6–9pm at Town Field Park in Dorchester.
About the Installation
This interactive installation from September 20 to October 5, 2025 transforms one area of the park into a radiant landscape of illuminated conical hats (nón lá), intergenerational stories, and large-scale projections during the opening event that invite remembrance, reflection, and collective gathering. The work is part of the broader community-led vision for the 1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Memorial, commemorating 50 years since the first wave of Vietnamese refugees arrived in the United States and Boston.
Our Goal through “Journey of Light”
This special evening honors the Vietnamese diaspora and the Vietnam War’s lasting impact on families and communities, marking the 50th commemoration year of the war’s end in 2025. The event is free and open to the public, rain or shine, with bilingual Vietnamese interpretation and light refreshments provided.
Journey of Light: A 1975 Memory Field
Journey of Light: A 1975 Memory Field
Event Details
September 28, 2025 Sunday, 6–9pm ET
Town Field Park
1565 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02122
Cost: Free & open to all
Opening of Journey of Light: A 1975 Memory Field
With Artist Ngọc-Trân Vũ and the Project Team
This special evening honors the Vietnamese diaspora and the Vietnam War’s lasting impact on families and communities, marking the 50th commemoration year of the war’s end in 2025. The event is free and open to the public, rain or shine, with bilingual Vietnamese interpretation and light refreshments provided.
About the Artist & Team
Ngọc-Trân Vũ (she/her) is a 1.5-generation Vietnamese-American artist and cultural organizer from Boston’s Dorchester community. Her socially engaged practice weaves storytelling, memory, and healing across photography, painting, sculpture, and installation. Her Project Team is made up of advisors and installers, including Bruner / Cott Architects, Illuminus, and members of the 1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Memorial. @TranVuArts | www.tranvuarts.com
This project is made possible with the support from Un-monument, a City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture program, The Asian Community Fund at The Boston Foundation, New England Foundation for the Arts’ Public Art for Spatial Justice Program, The Family Strengthening Small Grants Fund, and additional community partners, collaborators and supporters.