A towering 12-foot bronze statue of a Black woman, titled Grounded in the Stars, has recently been installed in New York City’s Times Square, sparking a wide range of reactions. Created by British sculptor Thomas J. Price, the artwork is part of a series aimed at deconstructing preconceived notions of identity and emphasizing the presence of Black individuals in public spaces.
The statue portrays a young Black woman standing confidently with her hands on her hips, dressed in a T-shirt and pants, gazing out into the open space of Duffy Square. Price describes the figure as a “composite fictional character, unfixed and boundless,” intended to allow viewers to imagine inhabiting space without preconceived ideas and misrepresentation.
While some praise the statue for its representation and the conversation it initiates, others have criticized it for perpetuating stereotypes. Critics argue that the depiction reinforces negative images of Black women, with some online comments expressing offense at the statue’s appearance and attire. Supporters, however, view the artwork as a powerful statement on diversity and inclusion in public art.
Grounded in the Stars is scheduled to remain on display in Times Square until mid-June, offering passersby an opportunity to engage with the piece and the discussions it has generated.