Grounded In The Stars Sculpture Unveiled
Thomas J Price's 12-ft bronze sculpture stands tall in Times Square, a beacon of diversity
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Image: Instagram
On April 29, 2025, an extraordinary addition to New York City’s vibrant public art scene was unveiled. Thomas J Price’s 12-foot bronze sculpture, Grounded in the Stars, was revealed to an enthusiastic crowd at the bustling intersection of Broadway and 46th Street, in the heart of Times Square. The installation, which emphasizes representation through its bold design, has already sparked conversations about diversity and the ever-evolving cultural landscape of the metropolis.
Unveiling Event
The ceremony was marked by a palpable sense of excitement as onlookers and art aficionados gathered to witness the debut of the sculpture. Set against the iconic backdrop of Times Square, the installation instantly caught the eye of passersby, thanks not only to its impressive scale but also to its symbolic declaration. The tags #timesquare, #realwomenhavecurves, #groundedinthestars, and #representation that accompanied the unveiling post on Instagram underscored the artist’s strong commitment to highlighting diverse narratives in art.
The sculpture’s design is both robust and graceful, paralleling the struggles and triumphs of those who challenge conventional beauty standards. The piece stands as a monument to inclusion, embodying a dialogue where traditional representations of beauty give way to a more expansive definition that honours real bodies and diverse experiences.
Art And Representation
Thomas J Price’s work is a thoughtful reflection on society’s ongoing conversation about representation. Grounded in the Stars is not merely a physical object but a statement—one that integrates art, activism, and urban life. With bronze as the medium, the sculpture encapsulates the timeless quality of enduring art while inviting contemporary viewers to reassess cultural norms. The choice of location, right in one of the world’s busiest intersections, reinforces the idea that art and representation belong to everyone, transcending the often exclusive spheres of traditional galleries.
Local art critic and enthusiast Carla Jimenez, known on Instagram as @thisiscarlajimenez, was among the notable attendees at the unveiling. Jimenez, whose work on social media has repeatedly emphasized authentic and inclusive beauty, expressed her admiration for the installation. In a brief statement shared through her own platform, she remarked, “Art like this not only elevates our public spaces but also tells a story of strength, identity, and the beauty of diversity.” Her words resonated with many who see the sculpture as a tangible celebration of cultural plurality.
Voices Of Inspiration
While the unveiling event was a celebration of artistic achievement, it also served as a platform for dialogue. Attendees discussed the evolving role of public art in reflecting social movements and the importance of representation in all spheres of life. The sculpture’s presence in Times Square, a nexus of global tourism and local crossroads, has already inspired numerous social media posts and discussions. Users from around the globe shared their impressions via images and hashtags, reinforcing the idea that art has the power to unite communities and spark meaningful conversations.
Further deepening the narrative, related social media posts have highlighted themes of empowerment tied to the sculpture. One such post, which featured a striking image of the sculpture illuminated against the urban nightscape, showcased the interplay between the concrete jungle and the timeless quality of bronze. This juxtaposition invites viewers to consider how art can reflect both the permanence of cultural echoes and the fleeting beauty of each moment.
The event, marked by its luminous energy and interactive atmosphere, also featured behind-the-scenes glimpses. Attendees were treated to a short video clip on Instagram from the event that captured the sculptor’s final touches and the excited murmurs of the crowd. The visual narrative, which has since been shared widely, adds a dynamic layer to the story of Grounded in the Stars, making it a living part of the city’s artistic and cultural dialogue.
A New Chapter In Public Art
Grounded in the Stars is more than an installation—it is a milestone that challenges the status quo and encourages a broader discussion about inclusivity in art. The sculpture’s debut in one of New York City’s most iconic locations signifies a forward move toward embracing diversity in every form. As public art continues to evolve with societal shifts, this monumental piece is a welcome reminder of the power of creativity to drive social change.
The excitement surrounding the unveiling continues to ripple through the art community and beyond, as more individuals are inspired to see their identities represented in mainstream art. With the support of influential voices like Carla Jimenez and countless everyday New Yorkers, Grounded in the Stars stands as both a work of art and a symbol of hope—a beacon that celebrates a more inclusive and representative future.
The unveiling of this sculpture not only marks a key event in New York City’s art timeline but also holds a mirror to society’s growing embrace of diversity. As conversations about representation take center stage across various cultural platforms, Grounded in the Stars is sure to inspire future projects and initiatives that reaffirm art’s transformative potential.
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