• Thomas J. Price's 'Grounded in the Stars,' a 12-foot bronze sculpture of a woman, is on display in Times Square until June 17, 2025.
• The sculpture aims to challenge traditional monumental art and encourage reflection on identity, representation, and the human condition.
• The statue's presence has sparked both praise for its contemplative nature and criticism for allegedly reinforcing stereotypes.

A 12-foot-tall bronze sculpture titled 'Grounded in the Stars' by British artist Thomas J. Price has been installed in Times Square. The sculpture is part of a series intended to challenge preconceived notions of identity and representation. The artwork depicts a fictionalized woman in modern dress, standing with her hands on her hips, and is designed to contrast with traditional, more bombastic monuments. The exhibit, including Price's 'Man Series' on nearby screens, is on display until June 17, 2025.

• What: A 12-foot bronze sculpture titled 'Grounded in the Stars' and the 'Man Series,' stop-motion animations are being displayed.
• Who: The artist is Thomas J. Price. Key figures mentioned include Father Francis Duffy and George M. Cohan, whose statues are nearby.
• When: The sculpture was erected on April 29, 2025, and will remain on display until June 17, 2025. 'Man Series' is played nightly in May.
• Where: The sculpture is located in Times Square, specifically on the north side of Duffy Square on Broadway and 46th Street facing 47th Street.

The installation of 'Grounded in the Stars' in Times Square represents an attempt to inject a moment of contemplation into a space known for its sensory overload. The sculpture's modern depiction of a woman is intended to challenge traditional monumental art and promote inclusivity. However, the Daily Mail's reporting reveals a polarized reception, with some critics accusing the artwork of reinforcing stereotypes rather than dismantling them. This divergence highlights the complexities of representation and the challenges artists face when addressing sensitive social issues in public spaces.

Times Square stands as an iconic symbol and site of convergence, uniting people from all walks of life, individual stories and experiences intersecting on a global platform. The intention of my public works is to become part of the place they inhabit and its physical, material history, as well as the visitors that pass through and around the location, no matter how fleeting. I hope 'Grounded in the Stars' and 'Man Series' will instigate meaningful connections and bind intimate emotional states that allow for deeper reflection around the human condition and greater cultural diversity.

Grounded in the Stars is a little bit like a beacon for reminding us about a different pace, and for reminding us about a different process. Instead of having things force-fed through your eyeballs into your brain to capture your attention at unrelenting speed, it gives people time to reflect on an object.

Thomas J. Price's 'Grounded in the Stars' has brought both attention and controversy to Times Square. While the artist intends to promote reflection and challenge traditional monuments, public reception has been mixed. The sculpture's fate after June 17, 2025, remains uncertain, but its presence has undoubtedly sparked a dialogue about representation, identity, and the role of public art in contemporary society. The contrasting viewpoints underscore the ongoing debate surrounding art's capacity to challenge and unite diverse audiences.