07.31.07
Chinese sculptor under fire for MLK statue
Right: Lei Yixin in his studio with a model for the memorial.
The L.A. Times reports on Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin, who’s been under fire since he was selected to carve a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. that’ll be part of a major memorial in Washington.
Some critics call Lei’s appointment an outsourcing; others claim a Chinese conspiracy. But Lei, who’s been recognized as a “master sculptor” by the Council of China, prefers to focus on his craft.
“They love Martin Luther King — I understand,” he says. “But … I’ve seen sculptures of Martin Luther King in America, and none of them was perfect. I think I can do better.”