A striking 12-foot bronze statue of a fictional Black woman now stands in New York’s Times Square, provoking fierce debate and widespread commentary online. Unveiled on April 29 and set to remain until June 17, the sculpture, titled Grounded in the Stars, depicts a young woman in everyday attire—braided hair, T-shirt, and trousers—with a calm yet assertive stance. Its creator, British artist Thomas J Price, says the piece aims to challenge traditional ideas of monumentality while encouraging viewers to reflect on representation, identity, and shared humanity.
The piece sparked controversy almost immediately. While some praised its symbolic significance, others mocked its appearance and accused it of reinforcing negative stereotypes. Critics on social media questioned its aesthetic value and even challenged Price’s reference to Michelangelo’s David, calling the comparison exaggerated. One user described the figure as looking more like a caricature than an empowering presence. Others saw political undertones, claiming the statue served more to provoke than to inspire.
Price, who also debuted animated video works from his Man Series on Times Square billboards as part of the Midnight Moment programme, has long been known for using public art to challenge dominant narratives. He insists his intention is not to glorify one figure but to broaden public understanding of whose stories deserve representation. According to his team, the work “offers a unique opportunity to experience Times Square in a new light and share a moment of personal reflection amidst the district’s hyperactivity.”
Who is Thomas J Price
Born in 1981; lives and works in London.
Studied at Chelsea College of Art and the Royal College of Art.
Known for large-scale sculptures that explore representation and challenge traditional monumentality.
Uses a hybrid of traditional sculpting and digital techniques to create fictional characters.
Received the Arts Council England Helen Chadwick Fellowship in 2009.
His work spans multiple disciplines, including sculpture, film, performance, and animation.
Held solo exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Created the UK’s first permanent public sculptures to honour the Windrush generation (unveiled 2022).
His sculptures feature in global collections such as the Government Art Collection (UK) and the Donum Estate (USA).
The piece sparked controversy almost immediately. While some praised its symbolic significance, others mocked its appearance and accused it of reinforcing negative stereotypes. Critics on social media questioned its aesthetic value and even challenged Price’s reference to Michelangelo’s David, calling the comparison exaggerated. One user described the figure as looking more like a caricature than an empowering presence. Others saw political undertones, claiming the statue served more to provoke than to inspire.
Price, who also debuted animated video works from his Man Series on Times Square billboards as part of the Midnight Moment programme, has long been known for using public art to challenge dominant narratives. He insists his intention is not to glorify one figure but to broaden public understanding of whose stories deserve representation. According to his team, the work “offers a unique opportunity to experience Times Square in a new light and share a moment of personal reflection amidst the district’s hyperactivity.”
Who is Thomas J Price
Born in 1981; lives and works in London.
Studied at Chelsea College of Art and the Royal College of Art.
Known for large-scale sculptures that explore representation and challenge traditional monumentality.
Uses a hybrid of traditional sculpting and digital techniques to create fictional characters.
Received the Arts Council England Helen Chadwick Fellowship in 2009.
His work spans multiple disciplines, including sculpture, film, performance, and animation.
Held solo exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Created the UK’s first permanent public sculptures to honour the Windrush generation (unveiled 2022).
His sculptures feature in global collections such as the Government Art Collection (UK) and the Donum Estate (USA).
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