Ep 13. Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision

Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision is the thirteenth episode of season nine of POV, a documentary TV series that presents independent nonfiction films from around the world. This episode, directed by Freida Lee Mock, tells the story of Maya Lin, a young Chinese-American artist who became a controversial cultural figure in the late 20th century after winning a design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The film opens with footage of the dedication of the memorial in 1982, as veterans and families of the fallen gather around the black granite walls inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died in the Vietnam War. The camera then shifts to an interview with Lin, who explains how she came up with the idea for the design while still an undergraduate at Yale University. She describes the concept of "a scar in the earth" that would serve as a reminder of the cost of war, and how the project became a lightning rod for controversy and political debate.

From there, the film traces Lin's life and career, from her childhood in Ohio as the daughter of Chinese immigrants to her emergence as a groundbreaking artist and visionary thinker. Through interviews with Lin's family, friends, and colleagues, we learn about her early fascination with architecture and her decision to study both art and architecture at Yale. We see examples of her work, including a series of sculptures and installations that explore themes of memory, time, and landscape.

The film also delves into the controversy surrounding the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. As Lin's design was selected for the memorial, she faced criticism from some veterans groups who felt that her minimalist approach was insufficiently patriotic. Others objected to the fact that she was a young Asian-American woman who had never served in the military. The film explores these tensions through archival footage and interviews with some of the key players in the controversy, including Vietnam War veteran Jan Scruggs, who founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and organized the design competition.

Despite the controversy, Lin persevered and the memorial became one of the most beloved and iconic works of public art in American history. The film explores the impact of the memorial on the national psyche, as veterans and civilians alike came to see it as a place of healing and remembrance. Lin's design became a model for other memorials, including the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania and the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Throughout the film, Lin emerges as a complex and inspiring figure, whose work bridges the worlds of art, architecture, and politics. The film explores her role as a trailblazer for Asian-American artists and as an advocate for environmental causes. We see her reflect on her own identity and the challenges she faced as a young woman of color working in a predominantly white, male field. We see her interact with students and young artists as she shares her insights and passion for creating art that has meaning and impact.

Overall, Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision is a powerful and moving portrait of an artist and a historic moment in American culture. It explores the themes of memory, identity, and social justice that have animated Lin's work throughout her career, and shows how her art has made a lasting impact on our nation's history and values. For anyone interested in the intersection of art and social change, this film is a must-see.