A Monumental Message Meets Fierce Backlash
A 12-foot bronze sculpture by British artist Thomas J Price has stirred intense debate since its installation in Times Square on April 29. Titled Grounded in the Stars, the statue portrays an anonymous Black woman in casual attire, standing with her hands on her hips and a neutral expression. While intentionally understated, the piece has become a lightning rod for race, public memory, and representation discussions.
Conservative Critics Condemn Message and Imagery
Right-wing commentators quickly attacked the sculpture. Fox News host Jesse Watters derided it as a “D.E.I. statue,” accusing it of glorifying mediocrity. David Marcus, another Fox commentator, asked why a known figure like Condoleezza Rice or Simone Biles wasn’t featured instead. The Federalist labeled the artwork as “leftist cultural warfare.” Critics objected to both the subject matter and what they perceived as stereotypical imagery, with some questioning whether it belonged in public space at all.
Supporters See Reflection and Representation
For the Times Square Alliance, which commissioned the installation, the backlash highlights the artwork’s necessity. The group’s arts director, Jean Cooney, said the piece had sparked the public engagement they hoped for. Artist and cultural historian TK Smith noted that the strong reaction underscores unresolved racial tensions. Supporters like Elma Blint, a Brooklyn resident, felt seen by the statue, calling it an authentic portrayal of everyday Black women.
Online Racism Reveals Broader Societal Rifts
Beyond mainstream criticism, the sculpture has triggered a wave of racism and misogyny online. Commenters posted AI-generated caricatures and inflammatory slurs. This reaction coincides with an increasingly hostile national climate, intensified under President Trump’s second term. The administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have fueled this antagonism.
Artistic Intent Misunderstood in Public Context
Price’s work critiques traditional monument culture by centering marginalized bodies. However, many miss its intent, interpreting it as a literal monument rather than conceptual art. Art historian Michele Bogart attributes this to a lack of public arts education and contextual understanding. While past works like Kehinde Wiley’s Rumors of War faced little backlash, Grounded in the Stars has exposed deep societal fractures.
Source:
Times Sq. Sculpture Prompts Racist Backlash. To Some, That’s the Point.
Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash
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