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A Global Renaissance: Statues of Black Women Rise Across the World

May 12, 2025
Courtneyb

A wave of monumental sculptures celebrating Black women is reshaping public art across the globe. From New York City to Rotterdam, these installations challenge traditional norms and spark conversations about representation, identity, and power.

In Times Square, British artist Thomas J. Price’s 12-foot-tall bronze sculpture, “Grounded in the Stars,” stands prominently. Depicting a Black woman in everyday attire with a contemplative gaze, the piece aims to honor the dignity and presence of ordinary individuals. Price describes the work as a “composite fictional character” intended to allow viewers to reflect on the human condition and cultural diversity.

However, the statue has elicited mixed reactions. While some praise its message and representation, others criticize its aesthetics and symbolism. Due to the controversy, the installation, originally set to remain through the summer, is scheduled for removal in mid-June.

This trend isn’t isolated to New York. In Rotterdam, Price’s “Moments Contained” features a Black woman standing with her hands in her pockets, exuding quiet strength. Similarly, in Italy, his “Reaching Out” portrays a young Black woman engaged with her phone, emphasizing everyday experiences.

These sculptures signify a broader movement to diversify public art and acknowledge the contributions of Black women. By placing these figures in prominent urban spaces, artists like Price invite viewers to reconsider who is commemorated and why.

As these installations continue to appear worldwide, they provoke essential discussions about inclusion, representation, and the evolving landscape of public monuments.