Latest news with #GroundedintheStars
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Grounded In The Stars' Times Square Statue Sparks Social Media Debate
A statue of a Black woman that was placed in Times Square in New York City last month is now at the center of digital discourse. The 12-foot bronze figure, named Grounded in the Stars, is by visual artist Thomas J Price. According to the Times Square website, Price uses artwork to confront preconceived notions of identity and representation. As described by Times Square, 'Grounded in the Stars was made to disrupt traditional ideas around what defines a triumphant figure and challenges who should be rendered immortal through monumentalization.'The woman depicted in the statue is a Black woman wearing braids. She is poised upright in a subtle nod to Michelangelo's David, with her hands on her hips, wearing everyday, casual clothing. Her body is arguably the physique of the average woman. 'Times Square stands as an iconic symbol and site of convergence, uniting people from all walks of life, individual stories, and experiences intersecting on a global platform,' relayed Price. Times Square Arts will also present Price's stop-motion animations Man Series on the district's billboards nightly in May as a part of the Midnight Moment program. 'The intention of my public works is to become part of the place they inhabit and its physical, material history, as well as the visitors that pass through and around the location, no matter how fleeting. I hope Grounded in the Stars and Man Series will instigate meaningful connections and bind intimate emotional states that allow for deeper reflection around the human condition and greater cultural diversity.' Despite Price's seemingly good motives, on social media, Grounded in the Stars has been the subject of racist hate and additional critique from people who feel the statue is a misrepresentation. 'Who is this woman?' questioned Fox News host Jesse Watters in a news broadcast. 'What did she do to get a statue? A nice one, too!' He continued to answer his own question and exclaimed, 'Nothing. This isn't a real person. It's a DEI statue.' One user on X shared a petition to have the artwork removed. They wrote, 'Trying to explain to Black women why the statue is a set up and harmful feels like talking to a wall. I'm genuinely struggling to understand how they don't see that we're being mocked, not honored.' Another suggested, 'And they want us to believe that #statue isn't a mockery???' as they shared a clip of a group of Black women dancing. They further explained their opinion, 'A man with a white mother and white wife made that statue. He has no idea what an accurate representation of a Black woman is. He doesn't even have ANY relation to Black women.' One account declared, 'Woke culture strikes again. It's not art; it's activism. It's the left turning public spaces into a battleground for their agenda. Real culture doesn't need to be shoved down our throats.' Still, the debate was not without rebuttal. 'They mad at a statue of an everyday Black woman because it looks like an everyday Black woman. Just say y'all hate yourselves,' shared one user in reaction to the discourse. 'Plenty of black women look like that statue, my aunties, my teachers, the lady at the bank. That represents so many of our mothers and sisters. Y'all only desire to be sexualized. You don't wanna f**k the statue so it's not acceptable, but go outside. You see her everywhere,' asserted one account. 'I had a Black Woman comment under my video defending that statue that she looked like a 'stressed and tired single mother,'' explained one user. 'I genuinely didn't realize so many of yall thought so lowly of your own people, and ultimately yourselves. Cus HOW did that come to your mind…?!' Grounded In the Stars is set to remain on display at Broadway and 46th Street through June 17, 2025. 'If these fictional characters are from a gender or perceived race that you have decided should not be at this level, and suddenly you see them presented in their gloriousness, it challenges people's internal landscapes,' expanded Price in an interview with The Art Newspaper. 'But this is so important for us to do, we should all be doing this to ourselves daily. So this is my little gesture to present an opportunity for people to question their assumptions about the world we live in.' Read some of the digital discourse below. More from Jay-Z, Roc Nation Share Times Square Casino Plans In Open Letter Jay-Z, Roc Nation Join Investors To Open Times Square Casino Jeopardy Contestant Recalls Kanye West's Post-Amber Rose, Pre-Kim Kardashian Date
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Thomas J Price? Creator of the controversial statue in Times Square
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. Operation Sindoor Pak to deploy students in case of war with India? What Khawaja Asif said Abu Jundal, Yusuf Azhar & more: 5 key Pakistani terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor Entry to airports banned, ATMs closed & more such news: Govt says 'fake news' 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo 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).
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
New statue sparks outrage in Times Square:: All you need to know
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. Operation Sindoor Pak to deploy students in case of war with India? What Khawaja Asif said Abu Jundal, Yusuf Azhar & more: 5 key Pakistani terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor Entry to airports banned, ATMs closed & more such news: Govt says 'fake news' 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.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Statue of a Black woman in Times Square brings out the worst of the right-wingers on social media
A 12-foot-tall statue of a Black woman erected in Times Square meant to 'confront preconceived notions of identity and representation' has spurred vitriol from right-wing provocateurs. The bronze statue titled Grounded in the Stars, by artist Thomas J Price, was placed in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at the end of last month, much to the disappointment of many disgusting Internet trolls. While Price hoped the statue would 'instigate meaningful connections' and 'allow for deeper reflection around the human condition and greater cultural diversity,' the Internet decided to take the hateful route. 'How does this statue erected in Times Square 'confront perceived notions of identity and representation,' it's just some obnoxious looking overweight black woman, it's reinforcing those preconceived notions,'' X user @dsisme48 wrote. In a second post, the same user questioned, 'Is she someone famous or just a DEI project?' Many other posts about the statue have included much more vulgar and racist statements. The statue, which depicts a fictitious woman wearing a plain T-shirt and pants with braided hair and her hands on her hips, is meant to have 'familiar qualities' to the everyday woman, according to a description on the Times Square website. It was also intended to serve as a contrast to other sculptures, in particular two pedestaled monuments of white men situated nearby. Even so, people took strong issue with the art, making fun of both the woman's weight and the statue itself. Right-wing X account @EndWokeness shared several posts about the statue, garnering thousands of likes and hateful comments. 'Fat black women have somehow elevated themselves to the top of the pyramid,' X user @basedalright added. 'It is considered 'Cow Tipping' when and if someone knocks this over?' Facebook user Elijah Vincent commented under a photo of the statue. 'She looks like she [is] asking for the manager…' Facebook user Virginia Archer chimed in. 'Wondering where her food stamps at,' user Mind Matt commented. Facebook poster Thomas Kshetrimayum added: 'Is that like a warning to the young girls? Like, 'if you don't eat right, you are gonna become like that'' Grounded in the Stars is set to stand in the heart of Times Square until June 17.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A 12-Foot Bronze Statue of a Black Woman Pops Up in Times Square and MAGA is Absolutely Losing it
Times Square in New York is one of the world's most popular tourist locations. Folks from all over the globe descend upon the tourist attraction all year-round, so it serves as the perfect place to make a statement. That's exactly what's happening after a stoic, 12-foot tall bronze statue of a Black woman popped up seemingly out of nowhere smack dab in the middle of Times Square. And MAGA is losing their ever-loving minds. The piece was created by artist Thomas J. Price, a relentless legal adversary of President Donald Trump who has sued his administration over immigration and environmental policies. His artwork is part of a series called 'Grounded in the Stars,' which organizers say confronts preconceived notions about identity and representation. The statue is of a woman wearing a plain T-shirt, pants, braided hair, an expressionless face and her hands resting on her hips. Times Square Arts Director Jean Cooney explained how the artwork 'is making a statement, potentially asking questions, about what we value as a city, as a society, and hopefully it's a tribute to our shared humanity.' Per Price's website, the statue was created to 'disrupt traditional ideas' about what a 'triumphant figure' ought to look like. But MAGA online don't quite see it that way and well, we can't say we're exactly surprised. Author and ex-investment banker John LeFevre took to X with a photoshopped image of the statue with Attorney General Letitia James real head edited in place. He wrote: 'My favorite thing about Letitia James is that she says 'statue of limitations' instead of 'statute.'' SMH. One conservative wrote on X: 'BREAKING: New York puts up a 25 foot bronze statue of Letitia James in Time Square.' Another X user took disrespect to a whole 'nother level with a photoshopped image of their own. Other comments from MAGA included comparisons to Lizzo, their 'confusion' that the statue was made in the image of a gorilla, and even calling the statue 'Tyquisha' who 'looks horrendous.' The racist and downright sad remarks continued on X: 'And it will be taken down once she goes to prison,' 'That statue wants to know what gratuity means,' and 'You cannot convince me that's not Fat Albert.' Another Trump-lover asked where's the 'statue of a white dude?' calling out how 'woke' the statue, and what is represents, is. But despite the online hatred, not everyone feels that way. 'Me being a plus-size Black woman, I was kind of looking at it like, I wonder what me as a small child would've thought looking at something like that, representation,' said Blessing Obieze of Dallas, per CBS News. Kansas resident Bryan Woodson called the statue 'powerful' as 'a plus-size man. I'm African American, it's an African American woman statue. So just seeing another piece for me to stop and have a moment with was very powerful to me.' 'Coming from a person of color background, it's really nice to see something come across as this everyday person,' Ruby Chirackal of Greenwich Village said. 'It looks a little bit out of place, but I also think that's because of where we are standing. It might not look out of place if everything in our surrounding reflected everyday life more to us.' The piece will be on display until June 17. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
