“The Embrace,” a proposed sculpture by two Americans for the Arts 2019 Annual Convention keynote speakers — Artist Hank Willis Thomas and Michael Murphy, co-founder and executive director of MASS Design Group —  has been selected for a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King in Boston Common.

 

From the article: 

 

After a year-long artist selection process, the King Boston Art Committee has selected The Embrace, by artist Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group, as the design for a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King on Boston Common. The Embrace was chosen over two other finalists, Boston’s King Memorial (Adam Pendleton and Adjaye Associates with Future/Pace and David Reinfurt), and The Ripple Effects (Wodiczko + Bonder / Maryann Thompson Architects, with Walter Hood), after community input and a thorough review of design feasibility and impact on the Common.

 

“On behalf of King Boston, I want to thank the remarkable slate of artists who submitted designs for consideration, and especially the finalists whose work received both thoughtful scrutiny and a positive reception from both the community and our partners,” said Paul English, co-chair of King Boston. “This memorial will be a core element of the multifaceted tribute to the Kings — one that fosters discussion and provides a platform for continuing their work throughout the city.”

 

“Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group proposed a memorial that excited the greatest community support, and also met the criteria of the Art Committee and the City,” said Barry Gaither, co-chair of the King Boston Art Committee. “All of the finalists presented powerful and imaginative ideas for honoring Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King, Jr., but the Committee could choose only one. It felt that The Embrace captured the spirit of love and community that was so central to the Kings' work, and that we want to radiate across the City from the Boston Common.”

 

Photo from article/credit "The Embrace" (Courtesy: Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group/King Boston)