Times Square statue challenges ‘identity’ norms with ‘nod’ to Michelangelo’s David
A new 12-foot bronze statue titled *Grounded in the Stars*, created by British artist Thomas J. Price,was recently unveiled in Times Square,New York. The sculpture features a plus-size black woman in casual attire, challenging customary ideals often represented in public monuments. the pose of the figure subtly references Michelangelo’s *David*, signifying a shift in the representation of identity and humanity in art. Positioned near existing monuments dedicated to white male figures,the statue aims to provoke personal reflection and empathy amidst Times Square’s bustle.
Public reaction has been mixed; some view the piece as a bold statement on representation, while others criticize it. Comments on social media range from praise for its iconoclast nature to skepticism regarding its artistic value and costs. The statue will be on display until June 17, as part of a broader exploration by Price into the themes of identity and monumentality in public spaces.
12-foot statue unveiled in Times Square challenges ‘identity’ norms with ‘subtle nod’ to Michelangelo’s David
In the heart of Times Square, a striking new sculpture is sparking debate well beyond the art world.
Unveiled in Duffy Square at Broadway and 46th Street, Grounded in the Stars is a 12-foot bronze statue by British artist Thomas J. Price. The work features a plus-size black woman standing in a relaxed pose, dressed in everyday clothing — an image that stands in sharp contrast to the typical heroic or idealized figures found in public monuments.
“She represents a shared humanity,” the Times Square website states. “Yet the contrapposto pose and ease of her stance offer a subtle nod to Michelangelo’s David. Through scale, materiality, and posture, Grounded in the Stars disrupts traditional ideas of triumph and challenges who we choose to immortalize.”
12-foot statue of a plus-size Black woman in Times Square was inspired by Michelangelo’s David, according to the official Times Square site.pic.twitter.com/SQlsaqWOBL
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The statue, on display through June 17, is part of a larger project by Price that explores identity, representation, and monumentality in public spaces. The figure is fictional, not modeled on a specific person, but crafted as a composite.
Presented by Times Square Arts, the sculpture has also been positioned in intentional contrast to the square’s two permanent statues: both “white men” — the Rev. Francis Duffy, a World War I chaplain, and Broadway icon George M. Cohan.
“Price’s work offers a chance to experience Times Square differently,” the organization said, “inviting personal reflection and empathy amid the area’s usual chaos.”
Reactions on social media have been polarized. While some have praised the piece for challenging conventional norms, others have criticized it.
“What did she do, win a hot dog eating contest?” one commenter wrote.
Another said, “She looks like Letitia James to me.”
Some questioned the cost of the installation: “How much did NYC taxpayers pay for this?”
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The comparison to Michelangelo’s David also drew backlash: “Comparing this to David may be the dumbest thing I’ve heard this year,” one user commented.
Another added, “I’m going to go out on a limb and guess Michelangelo wouldn’t be flattered by the ‘subtle nod.’”
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