We Belong

We Belong from artist Yu-Wen Wu intended to promote ideas of belonging and inclusion among immigrant communities in Boston. In LED neon, the work forms the text “We Belong, here, together, guided by the same stars” in an eight-foot circular sculptural art form with a constellation that maps and connects Boston’s neighborhoods. The continuously-lit piece began its city-wide journey at the East Boston Social Center, where the city’s early immigration centers were located. The artwork is set to move on to other diverse neighborhoods across Boston;

Currently, the neon letters are shining at Boston’s City Hall and will remain there until the end of Spring 2023. Catch it while you can!

“Two years in the making, We Belong is an exciting push for my practice in public art and another opportunity to experiment with light-based media,” said the artist Yu-Wen Wu. “I am so excited to bring the installation to East Boston, a neighborhood with vibrant culture, tight-knit community, and important history. I hope the work will help to initiate dialogue on belonging and inclusion among all communities in Boston.”

Artist Yu-Wen Wu (center) pictured with Barbara and Jorge Quiroga.

Timeline: This project opened Wednesday, July 20, 2022 with a gathering at East Boston Social Center, 68 Central Square. Earlier this year, the artwork moved to Boston’s City Hall, where it will remain until the end Spring 2023.

With the support of a Boston Transformative Public Art grant, We Belong is traveling to multiple Boston neighborhoods between 2022-2023. Through community events at each site and digital engagement opportunities, local residents are invited to participate in the project by sharing what the concept of “belonging” means to them. 

Check out Yu-wen’s website and Instagram.

PRESS

  • Vulture “Yu-Wen’s Wu’s Algorithmic Odyssey Around the World” (Though not about her East Boston project, we’re excited for Yu-Wen Wu’s recent write-up by Jerry Saltz!) June 7, 2022

  • Dig Boston “Dig This: 3 Simultaneous Temporary Exhibits Open in Eastie this Week” July 11, 2022

  • Boston Patch “Now + There Accelerator Artist Yu-Wen Wu welcomes all in Boston with neon light installation: We Belong” July 21, 2022