Statues are often raised to honor, provoke thought, or spark conversation—and sometimes, they stir controversy. That’s exactly what unfolded in Duffy Square.
Commanding attention on the northern end of the plaza, a towering 12-foot bronze sculpture of a young Black figure now stands between 46th and 47th Street on Broadway. Bold and unmissable, its presence has ignited a wave of public reaction—ranging from admiration to fierce debate.
The figure—a young Black woman—stands confidently with her hands on her hips, dressed in simple pants and a T-shirt. Her casual attire contrasts with the powerful reactions she’s provoked, sparking polarized opinions from passersby.
Her gaze is fixed outward, seemingly lost in thought. This sculpture, Grounded in the Stars, is part of a series by acclaimed UK figurative artist Thomas J Price. As with all his work, this piece challenges viewers to confront their assumptions about identity and presence.
Price’s aim is to deconstruct preconceived notions of who belongs in monumental spaces. With quiet strength, the statue asserts that Black individuals deserve to take up space—freely, unapologetically, and without explanation.
Artist Thomas J Price shared his vision for the work, saying:
“I hope this statue will instigate meaningful connections and bind intimate emotional states that enable deeper reflection around the human condition and a greater sense of cultural diversity.
The work is a composite fictional character, unfixed and boundless, and enables many to imagine what it would be like to take on space neutrally without any kind of preconceived ideas and misrepresentation.”
Despite the artist’s thoughtful intent, the sculpture has drawn its share of criticism. The backlash isn’t necessarily about what the figure represents—but rather, the abrupt appearance and imposing scale of the piece. At 12 feet tall, some say its towering presence feels jarring, even intrusive, in the middle of a space known for its constant visual stimulation.
