New York City’s latest public art project in Times Square has sparked fierce debate. A 12-foot-tall bronze statue of an unnamed Black woman, created by British artist Thomas J. Price, now towers over tourists and locals alike. Critics argue this is yet another example of radical left-wing ideology forcing divisive identity politics into America’s public spaces.
The statue, titled “Grounded in the Stars,” deliberately contrasts with existing monuments to historical male figures in Duffy Square. Instead of honoring specific American heroes or cultural icons, the artist admits the figure represents nobody in particular. This has led many to question why taxpayer-funded spaces are being used for vague political statements rather than celebrating real achievements.
Thomas J. Price’s work openly targets traditional Western art norms, with the statue mimicking Michelangelo’s “David” pose while dressed in modern casual clothing. The artist claims this challenges “preconceived notions of identity,” but conservatives see it as an attack on America’s cultural heritage. At a time when crime and homelessness plague NYC streets, critics argue resources should focus on practical solutions rather than symbolic gestures.
The statue’s $1.3 million price tag—funded through public-private partnerships—has drawn particular outrage. Hardworking Americans wonder why their tax dollars support foreign artists pushing anti-American narratives instead of addressing the city’s crumbling infrastructure or supporting police budgets. The artwork’s temporary nature until June 17 only heightens concerns about wasteful spending.
This installation coincides with a larger pattern of coastal elites prioritizing woke symbolism over substance. While ordinary citizens struggle with inflation and illegal immigration, New York officials greenlight projects that divide rather than unite. The statue’s placement in Times Square—a historic gathering place for people of all backgrounds—feels like a deliberate provocation against traditional American values.
Similar controversial art installations have appeared in San Francisco and Chicago, often funded by the same progressive donors. These projects frequently ignore local communities’ input, imposing ideological agendas from the top down. The statue’s anonymous subject matter reflects a disturbing trend erasing individual merit in favor of collective identity politics.
Conservatives argue true diversity comes from celebrating America’s shared history and principles, not artificial quotas in public art. Monuments should honor those who built our nation through sacrifice and achievement, not serve as platforms for foreign artists to lecture Americans about “cultural diversity.” This statue embodies the left’s obsession with revisionist history over preserving national pride.
As families visit Times Square this summer, they’ll encounter a giant political statement instead of inspiration. The statue’s looming presence serves as a reminder that while liberal cities crumble under poor leadership, their priorities remain focused on virtue signaling rather than solving real problems facing everyday citizens.
