Irene Nguyen, a student at Rutgers University’s School of Arts and Sciences, is this year’s recipient of the Liu Shiming Scholarship. Her journey is one of resilience, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose. With a background in art history and a focus on cultural heritage and preservation studies, Irene is carving out a unique path that bridges art, history, and the socio-political narratives that define cultures.
Currently pursuing her master’s degree, Irene’s program is distinct from traditional art history tracks. While centered on art, it delves deeper into the study of people, civilizations, and the preservation of cultural identity. This broader scope has led her to uncover underrepresented narratives, including those of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants—a subject that has profoundly shaped her academic direction.
Researching a Forgotten History
In one of her graduate classes, “Modern Vietnamese Literature and Film”, Irene began developing her master’s thesis, which focuses on the Vietnamese diaspora. This work explores the reasons Vietnamese refugees fled their homeland, their harrowing escapes—often by sea—and their experiences rebuilding lives in foreign countries like the United States.
As Irene delved deeper into her research, she discovered significant gaps in existing literature. “The Vietnam War is often framed through a Western lens,” she explains. “There’s an overwhelming focus on American veterans and their trauma, while the voices of Vietnamese refugees remain largely unheard.”
This realization inspired Irene to address these gaps, not only as a scholar but as a Vietnamese American herself. However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Many of the primary resources available are steeped in Western-centric perspectives or produced by French scholars, a reflection of Vietnam’s colonial history. Irene finds it difficult to fully trust these sources while recognizing they are often the only materials available.
Language as a Barrier, but is also a Bridge
Another challenge for Irene is language. As a Vietnamese American who isn’t fluent in Vietnamese, she struggles to access primary sources written in her ancestral language. This limitation has made her reliant on English translations or secondary sources, which often fail to capture the nuance of the original material.
Despite these hurdles, Irene remains determined. She draws inspiration from grassroots organizations and students like herself who are contributing to this field. “There are so many grassroots initiatives collecting data and sharing stories that don’t get the recognition they deserve. It’s encouraging to see people taking the initiative to preserve our history.”
The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer-winning novel, explores themes of dual identity and the Vietnam War’s impact on Vietnamese immigrants. The landscape once dominated by American and French scholars and narratives centered on veterans' trauma is shifting. Increasingly, works by Vietnamese American academics and writers are entering the mainstream, offering valuable cultural contributions, and enriching research perspectives.
Art History as a Tool for Change
Irene’s research isn’t confined to textual analysis. Her program’s emphasis on cultural heritage allows her to study how art, language, and traditions are preserved and transmitted across generations. This holistic approach has helped her understand the interplay between history and identity, while also shaping her academic direction.
Her unique perspective is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a Vietnamese-American. Irene noticed how Vietnamese art and culture were often overlooked in academic discussions. In her art history courses, the spotlight tended to focus on East Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea—nations often perceived as more dominant culturally and economically. By contrast, smaller countries like Vietnam were rarely discussed, leaving their rich cultural histories and artistic contributions largely unheard.
“Vietnam has such a unique and diverse cultural heritage, but it often gets overshadowed by its larger neighbors,” Irene reflects. This realization not only fueled her interest in highlighting Vietnam’s rich history but also strengthened her resolve to bring attention to voices and stories that have been historically marginalized.
For Irene, her work is about more than just filling gaps in scholarship—it’s about amplifying the presence of underrepresented cultures in academic and public spaces, ensuring they are not just remembered but celebrated. This perspective has guided her approach to research, encouraging her to seek out and amplify narratives that deserve greater visibility.
This photo, taken by Irene, captures the serene scenery near her campus at Rutgers University. Photography is an integral part of Irene’s artistic practice. While she identifies more as a scholar than an artist, she enjoys using photography to capture intimate moments and personal details from her academic life.
Make Research as a Responsibility
Irene’s work is part of a larger effort to shed light on underrepresented narratives. She sees her research as both a responsibility and an opportunity to give voice to the stories of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants, who have been overlooked for far too long. “Trauma isn’t exclusive to the Western experience,” Irene reflects. “Vietnamese immigrants have carried their own stories of pain, resilience, and hope. They deserve to be heard, and it’s our responsibility to document their ongoing history.”
With her passion for uncovering hidden stories and her commitment to bridging gaps in scholarship, Irene Nguyen exemplifies the values of the Liu Shiming Scholarship—honoring heritage, fostering understanding, and inspiring change.
For more information about the Liu Shiming Scholarship and the recipients, please visit the Liu Shiming Art Foundation website.
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