Maya Lin (1959 – Present)
Maya Lin grew up in Ohio surrounded by art and literature. Her educated, artistic parents came to America from Beijing and Shanghai and taught at Ohio University.
Maya Lin is best known for her large, minimalist sculptures and monuments. When she was only 21 and still a student, Lin created the winning design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. Many people criticized the stark, black monument, but today the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most famous monuments in the United States. Throughout her career, Maya Lin has continued to create powerful designs using simple shapes, natural materials, and Asian themes.
Maya Lin has a design studio in New York City where she lives with her husband and their two children. She is working on sculpture installations.
Outstanding Work:
1982: Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
1989: Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama
1995: The Wave Field in the University of Michigan
2004: Input, an earth installation at Bicentennial Park, Ohio University
Major Awards:
Architecture prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters
Presidential Design Award
American Institute of Architects Honor Award
Henry Bacon Memorial Award
National Women’s Hall of Fame
