Monster Imagination:

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Washington, D.C.

2020-21

Commissioned as part of the DC Public Library Public Art Program, Monster Imagination is a large-scale sculptural installation created for the children’s area of the renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

The project introduces a family of playful, character-driven sculptures—“ambassadors of imagination”—that spark curiosity, empathy, and joy for young visitors. Inspired by mid-century modern principles and the ethos of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the installation balances bold, whimsical forms with the elegance of the library’s architecture, always ensuring that the true stars of the space remain the stories contained within its walls.

Through both two-dimensional and three-dimensional expressions, these vibrant characters provide an interactive and welcoming environment. They encourage children to explore the library’s resources while embodying values central to Dr. King’s legacy, including kindness, diversity, confidence, and fairness.

More than decorative elements, the sculptures serve as catalysts for connection, reflection, and discovery—helping transform the library into a place where imagination and learning meet.