‘Tasteless’: NYC Tears Down Statue Of Thomas Jefferson, Erects 12-foot Statue of ‘Overweight Black Woman’

In the past, New York City took down a historic statue of Thomas Jefferson and has now unveiled a 12-foot bronze statue of an “overweight black woman,” which has faced criticism as being “tasteless” by many. The statue, named “Grounded in the Stars,” was revealed in Times Square and was created by artist Thomas J. Price. Along with the statue, Price’s “Man Series” will be showcased on billboards in the district during May, creating a “two-part takeover” that aims to highlight traditionally marginalized bodies on a large scale.

According to Price, the intention behind the public works is to blend with the environment and the people passing through, promoting connections and reflections on the human condition and cultural diversity. The statue’s pose and the ease of the woman’s stance are seen as a subtle reference to Michelangelo’s David and challenge existing notions of identity and representation.

Some social media users expressed discontent, highlighting the contrast between the new statue and the existing statues of white men in Times Square. Critics argue that honoring random individuals over historical figures with significant contributions is misguided. The debate around public art and the replacement of statues has become a contentious issue, with President Donald Trump signing an Executive Order to review the removal of statues by left-wing activists in recent years.