A new statue in the heart of Times Square is drawing both praise and criticism, sparking a fierce debate over public art, identity, and cultural representation . Unveiled on April 29 and on display until June 17, the 12-foot-tall bronze figure, titled Grounded in the Stars , was created by British artist Thomas J Price as part of a broader installation that includes animated billboard works known as the Man Series. The project is presented by Times Square Arts and aims to challenge traditional monuments while highlighting individual worth and marginalised identities.
Depicting a fictional Black woman in casual clothing, with braided hair and a neutral expression, the statue stands firmly on a low base between the permanent statues of Father Francis P. Duffy and George M. Cohan. Price intentionally placed his work in contrast to the traditional, white male figures that dominate such public spaces. He describes the woman’s stance—with hands on hips and a contrapposto posture—as a subtle nod to Michelangelo’s David, representing strength, calm, and reflection. According to his website, the character is not modelled on a specific person but rather drawn from real-world observations and public submissions spanning cities like London and Los Angeles.
The official Times Square website describes the sculpture as an effort to reimagine both monument and monumentality. It says the work invites a moment of empathy and reflection amidst the frenetic pace of the city. “The woman in Grounded in the Stars cuts a stark contrast to the pedestalled permanent monuments both white, both men which bookend Duffy Square,” the site notes, calling it “an introspective meditation on humanity.”
But while organisers view the sculpture as a celebration of diversity and individuality, online reaction has been sharply divided. Some social media users have mocked the statue’s appearance, arguing that it reinforces stereotypes rather than confronting them. Others have gone further, accusing the piece of advancing identity politics instead of honouring shared values. Critics have compared the figure to a caricature, with some drawing an unflattering likeness to New York Attorney General Letitia James. Many were also sceptical of the comparison to Michelangelo’s David.
Still, for many onlookers, especially tourists and residents of colour, the statue offers a meaningful and relatable image. One visitor from Dallas said the statue made her think about how much it would have meant to her as a child to see such representation. Another described it as “powerful” and “purposeful,” praising its commanding presence in a traditionally white-dominated public space.
Depicting a fictional Black woman in casual clothing, with braided hair and a neutral expression, the statue stands firmly on a low base between the permanent statues of Father Francis P. Duffy and George M. Cohan. Price intentionally placed his work in contrast to the traditional, white male figures that dominate such public spaces. He describes the woman’s stance—with hands on hips and a contrapposto posture—as a subtle nod to Michelangelo’s David, representing strength, calm, and reflection. According to his website, the character is not modelled on a specific person but rather drawn from real-world observations and public submissions spanning cities like London and Los Angeles.
This massive 12-foot tall statue was just erected in Times Square which “confronts preconceived notions of identity and representation” pic.twitter.com/jVLKUBSXUQ
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 7, 2025
This massive 12-foot tall statue was just erected in Times Square which “confronts preconceived notions of identity and representation”
— M.A. Rothman (@MichaelARothman) May 8, 2025
We used to make real art… beautiful stuff… and now we have this. 🤷♂️🤷♂️
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/Bq67gAisry
In 2021, NYC removed a statue of Thomas Jefferson from city hall due to “racism.” The city has now erected a huge statue of a rotund woman in Times Square. So, we’re taking down monuments to people who accomplished some of greatest feats in human history, from which we are all… pic.twitter.com/cC7B2rHzyR
— Allie Beth Stuckey (@conservmillen) May 7, 2025
The official Times Square website describes the sculpture as an effort to reimagine both monument and monumentality. It says the work invites a moment of empathy and reflection amidst the frenetic pace of the city. “The woman in Grounded in the Stars cuts a stark contrast to the pedestalled permanent monuments both white, both men which bookend Duffy Square,” the site notes, calling it “an introspective meditation on humanity.”
But while organisers view the sculpture as a celebration of diversity and individuality, online reaction has been sharply divided. Some social media users have mocked the statue’s appearance, arguing that it reinforces stereotypes rather than confronting them. Others have gone further, accusing the piece of advancing identity politics instead of honouring shared values. Critics have compared the figure to a caricature, with some drawing an unflattering likeness to New York Attorney General Letitia James. Many were also sceptical of the comparison to Michelangelo’s David.
Still, for many onlookers, especially tourists and residents of colour, the statue offers a meaningful and relatable image. One visitor from Dallas said the statue made her think about how much it would have meant to her as a child to see such representation. Another described it as “powerful” and “purposeful,” praising its commanding presence in a traditionally white-dominated public space.
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