Maya Lin

Maya Lin is an American sculptor and architect whose work I believe addresses social and political issues. A daughter from Chinese immigrants, Lin grew up facing the difference of culture from her household to the outside social world. She studied and received both a bachelors and master’s degree in architecture from Yale University. Although this major was studied by mostly men, Maya did not allow her gender to stop her in the pursuit of her passion for architecture. Amongst many of her famous art pieces, one of the most outstanding designs is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. She had designed this memorial to enter a nationwide contest. Her male professor at the time graded her idea as a B, however Maya ended up winning the contest, proving that her talent is worth much more than a B. Many people from all around the United States, were moved by her memorial because of the way it signified those who had sacrificed their lives during the war. As a young woman however, many had not supported her ideas, which is why she resembles social and political issues because of all the women who have the power to address important concerns but are held back just because they are female.