Controversy arises over a large statue of a plus-size, African-American woman labeled as "Woke," installed in Times Square

A 12-foot bronze sculpture of a plus-size Black woman ignites heated debates

Controversy arises over a large statue of a plus-size, African-American woman labeled as "Woke," installed in Times Square

Titled "Grounded in the Stars" and created by the talented British artist Thomas J Price, the provocative Times Square sculpture was modeled after Michelangelo's David-- a revered piece in the Italian Renaissance housed at the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze in Florence.

Since its installation on April 29th, 2025, the statue has been causing quite a stir, evoking a range of emotions on social media.

Striking, Controversial, or Just Misunderstood?

Although many social media users have commended the sculpture for its representation and positive messaging, others have flooded posts about Thomas J Price's artwork with hateful remarks and mockery.

Complex discussions unfolded around the statue, from likening it to New York Attorney General Letitia James to questioning its purpose, with some stating that a fictional character of such size shouldn't be displayed in such a prominent location.

Some criticized that the work didn't align with traditional artistic standards, while others perceived it as part of a broader cultural or political movement they disapprove of.

Times Square, with its rich cultural tapestry and millions of annual visitors, has become the epicenter of these passionate debates.

Digging Deeper

This statue, titled as part of a series called "Grounded in the Stars", represents a young, vibrant Black woman in everyday attire, offering a sense of realism and inclusivity starkly contrasting the idealized representations often seen in art.

Although the statue has received both praise and criticism, it's undeniable that it has sparked crucial conversations about representation, cultural values, and standards in public art.

Enrichment Data:

Background Information

The controversial statue measures 12 feat tall and is made of bronze, belonging to a series called "Grounded in the Stars" by British artist Thomas J. Price. Commissioned by Times Square Alliance, it was unveiled in April 2025 and is planned to stay there until June 2025[1][2][4]. The statue portrays a young Black woman, representing a realistic and diverse figure in stark contrast with traditional feminine ideals and stereotypes in art [3].

Reactions

The artwork has evoked a myriad of emotions from the public:

Positive ReceptionMany, particularly Black community members, celebrate the work's unveiling, viewing it as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and diversity[3][4].
Criticism and ControversyLawmakers and conservative groups have denounced the statue as an act of celebrating obesity or pushing a "woke" agenda [4][2]. A woman claims the statue was modeled after her but expressed mixed feelings about it[2].

Criticisms

Representation and Idealization Some object to the statue's unconventional portrayal, challenging traditional standards of beauty and artistic representation[4].
Political Interpretations The work has been politicized, framed as part of a broader cultural or political agenda rather than simply a work of art[4].

References

Thomas J Price Unveils Statue in Time Square Commissioned by Times Square Alliance
The 'Woke' plus-size Black woman statue causing such a stir in Times Square
Plus-size black woman sculpture causes heated debate in Times Square
New Controversial 'Grounded in the Stars' Sculpture Sparks Outcry in New York's Times Square
The bronze sculpture, titled "Grounded in the Stars," created by Thomas J Price, has ignited heated debates in the realm of entertainment and culture.
The statue, depicted as a bold representation of a plus-size Black woman, has became a subject of discussion in fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and social-media platforms.
Thomas J Price's work serves as a controversial article in the news, drawing attention for both its controversial portrayal and its positive messaging about inclusion and diversity.
The statue, meant to showcase realism and diversity in public art, has sparked important conversations regarding representation and cultural values in the business sector, particularly in the artistic community.
Critics of the statue argue that it doesn't conform to traditional artistic standards and have interpreted it as a political or cultural statement they disapprove of, intensifying the overall debate within the entertainment industry.