Few neighborhoods better represent the positive transformations taking place in Boston than Dorchester’s Fields Corner. A quick, hopefully painless, Red Line ride will transport patrons to a section of the city enjoying a cultural rejuvenation and economic growth. Not only was it recently designated one of the 10 greatest cities in the country by the American Planning Association, but it will soon be home to a public art installment representative of one of Boston’s, and America’s, core values: Freedom.
Back in June the Boston Arts Commission teamed up with the Vietnamese American Initiative for Development (VietAID) to entertain ideas for a work of art, with the general theme of freedom, to be placed at Doherty-Gibson Park. Submission closed at the end of June, and since then, the tandem organizations – along with aten-member selection committee composed of residents, community leaders, artists, a university professor and representatives of the Boston Parks Department – have been sifting through proposals they think will truly echo the theme, the neighborhood and the artist.
Juanjo Novella’s sculpture Freedom Home was selected as the winner from a pool of 144 artists from 27 states and 9 countries. Novella’s concept mirrors the mesmerizing cliffs towering over Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay but also incorporates Fields Corners’ extensive diversity. The location is home to a number of worldwide heritages, including Vietnamese, African-American, Caribbean, Irish and Latino.
Novella’s steel membrane will resemble the cliffs, but also have the word ‘Freedom’ outlined in several languages that will be illuminated during the evening hours. The homey aspect of the Freedom Home is that it will have a door so that people can go in and out, spending time submerged the core of the structure as to revel in one’s own thoughts, creativity and imagination, and ponder the notions of freedom and diversity.
But Novella sees Freedom Home as as more than just a metallic design. He wants to build havens within the neighborhood for anyone and everyone to find solace.
“It is a difficult question,” he said when I asked what inspires him. “Maybe the structures of nature. I am not looking for sculptures but to create special places.”
“Through Freedom Home we honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” said Mayor Marty Walsh in a statement. “Mr. Novella has thoughtfully represented the universal experience of those who came to Boston seeking hope and equality. We are grateful to VietAID for the their work to bring important artwork to our neighborhoods.”
The budget for the project was capped at $250,000 but VietAID told BostInno that site demolition, grading, drainage, paving, furnishings and plantings for an accompanying landscape project, “assuming we raise sufficient funds,” will cost an additional $250,000.
