New York City, NY – Mayhem, praise, memes, and more erupted this week after a towering 12-foot bronze statue of an obese Black woman was unveiled right in the heart of Times Square.
The sculpture, titled “Power in Flesh” by controversial artist Devontae Rhames, features a full-figured woman seated regally on a throne of shopping bags and subway tokens, her gaze fixed forward with unapologetic defiance. Installed as part of the “Voices of the Unseen” public art initiative, the statue has instantly become the most talked-about structure in the city—outshining even Elmo.
“A Symbol or a Spectacle?”
Critics and supporters alike are locked in a war of hot takes.
Some hail the statue as a bold statement on body positivity, racial identity, and the celebration of real-world diversity. “It’s about visibility,” said cultural analyst Dr. Lena Portman. “For too long, art in public spaces has erased bodies that don’t fit a certain standard. This changes that.”
Others, however, aren’t as thrilled. One local passerby was overheard saying, “It looks like Lizzo and the Statue of Liberty had a baby—and left it here.”
Meme Storm Incoming 💥
Of course, the internet did what it does best. Within hours, hashtags like #BronzeBaddie, #ThickInTimesSquare, and #BigArtEnergy were trending on X (formerly Twitter). Memes compared the statue to everything from Marvel villains to Thanksgiving leftovers.
One viral post read:
“This statue is body positivity meets ‘I dare you to explain this to your grandma.’”
Another:
“They put the Auntie of the Apocalypse in the middle of Manhattan.”
Artist’s Defense
Rhames responded to criticism with a powerful statement:
“This is not just a sculpture. It’s a confrontation. If it makes you uncomfortable, ask yourself why. Is it the size? The skin? The truth?”
What’s Next?
Whether it stays permanently or becomes a temporary symbol of modern provocation, one thing is clear: New York’s art scene just got a lot louder, bolder, and heavier—literally.
