Thomas J Price Unveils ‘Grounded in the Stars’ in Times Square
*British artist Thomas J Price has introduced a striking 12-foot bronze sculpture titled “Grounded in the Stars” in New York City’s Times Square. The artwork, depicting a fictional Black woman in casual attire, stands confidently at Broadway and 46th Street from April 29 to June 17, 2025. Price intends to challenge traditional monument conventions by celebrating ordinary individuals rather than historical or political figures.
Price’s sculpture draws inspiration from classical works like Michelangelo’s David but reimagines them in a modern, inclusive context. The piece aims to provoke reflection on identity, representation, and the human condition, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork personally.
Online Misinformation: Mistaking the Sculpture for Letitia James
Shortly after the sculpture’s unveiling, social media platforms saw a surge of posts falsely claiming the statue depicted New York State Attorney General Letitia James. This confusion stems from the sculpture’s portrayal of a Black woman and James’ prominence in recent legal actions against former President Donald Trump.
Several users expressed outrage, believing the statue honored James. For instance, one user posted, “The statue looks like Letitia James. I feel like the left is completely trolling at this point.” Another claimed, “It looks like Letitia James! The statue in Times Square. Let’s not forget she is being investigated for real estate fraud!!”
Clarifying the Sculpture’s True Identity and Purpose
In response to the misinformation, other users took to social media to clarify the sculpture’s actual intent. One user stated, “MAGA THINKS THIS IS LETITIA JAMES. A 12-foot-tall sculpture… created by London artist Thomas J Price… who calls it a fictional character. MAGA is upset because they think it’s actually Letitia James.”
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Is it Leticia James? pic.twitter.com/oIKbdVwXlD
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) May 7, 2025
Another emphasized the distinction: “This is a statue. Letitia James is a human being. They are two different things.” These clarifications aim to redirect the conversation back to the artwork’s intended message of inclusivity and representation.
The Artistic Vision Behind ‘Grounded in the Stars’
Thomas J Price’s Grounded in the Stars is part of his broader effort to diversify public spaces and provoke dialogue. The sculpture is installed at ground level on a wide, low base, contrasting with Duffy Square’s permanent statues of men. This placement emphasizes accessibility and invites direct engagement from passersby.
In addition to the sculpture, Price’s stop-motion animations, known as the “Man Series,” are displayed nightly on over 90 billboards in Times Square from 11:57 PM to midnight throughout May. These animations feature sculpted heads of male figures with subtle movements, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Broader Implications: Art, Identity, and Public Perception
The confusion surrounding the sculpture highlights how quickly misinformation can spread, especially when it aligns with existing political narratives. The incident underscores the challenges artists face when presenting inclusive art in politically charged environments.
Isn’t that Leticia James?
Bro when did Leticia James’s fat ass get a statue in time square ?? ? pic.twitter.com/immooR5Pd2
— King Frog ™ (@KingFrogTM) May 7, 2025
Despite the controversy, “Grounded in the Stars” serves as a powerful statement on representation and the importance of celebrating everyday individuals. By placing a fictional Black woman at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic public spaces, Thomas J Price invites viewers to reconsider who is commemorated in public art and why.
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