Mashonda Spotlights Thomas J. Price’s Times Square Sculpture
R&B star Mashonda marvels at Thomas J. Price’s striking Times Square sculpture and urban impact!
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
Art Meets Mindfulness In Times Square
R&B singer-songwriter Mashonda recently shared a moment of awe on Instagram after encountering British sculptor Thomas J. Price’s latest public artwork in Midtown Manhattan. In her post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9YT6oRYHG/), the artist and art advocate described a “profound sense of pride” and an “exhilaration” akin to witnessing something extraordinary for the first time.
About Thomas J. Price’s Installation
The life-size bronze figure depicts an everyday black woman dressed in a simple t-shirt and leggings. Price’s intention, Mashonda noted, is to showcase people “who aren’t self-conscious, people who don’t care who’s looking at them.” Installed at a busy corner in Times Square, the sculpture stands without ceremony or plaque, blending into the urban landscape while commanding attention with its poised presence.
Price has built a reputation for centering underrepresented figures in public art. His previous work includes monumental figures in London’s Pimlico and New York’s High Line. This Times Square piece continues his exploration of identity, resilience and authenticity in everyday life.
Visitor Reactions And Reflections
Mashonda’s post captured more than the sculpture itself. She filmed nearby passersby pausing to read the figure’s expression. Among the onlookers’ comments were:
“‘She is as big as life..’”
“‘The people who are confronted, they are confronted with who she is, inside and out.’”
By documenting these reactions, Mashonda underscored how public art can spark genuine mindfulness and honest dialogue even amid the city’s constant motion.
Mashonda’s Art Advocacy
Beyond her music career, Mashonda has become a visible supporter of contemporary art. In a previous Instagram post about New York Art Week, she praised Thomas J. Price’s work displayed at a gallery opening, calling it “impeccable” and thanking him for his vision. She also co-curated the “Beautiful Scars” exhibition in San Francisco through her nonprofit ArtLeadHer, spotlighting eight women artists and themes of resilience and transformation.
Her involvement with visual arts extends to annual events like the Gordon Parks Foundation gala, which she described as “truly exceptional” and “a reunion of friends and colleagues.” Mashonda’s dual role as creator and advocate bridges music, mindfulness and creative community building.
The Power Of Everyday Representation
By choosing an unassuming figure rather than a historical or celebrity likeness, Price invites viewers to project their own stories onto the sculpture. Mashonda’s reaction highlights why representation of ordinary individuals matters: it validates the strength and authenticity of people who look—and dress—like many of us.
The Times Square installation will remain on view through the spring. As New Yorkers and visitors circle past neon signs and ticket kiosks, the quiet dignity of Price’s figure offers a moment of pause—a chance to reflect on presence, confidence and the shared space of city life.
Through her Instagram documentation, Mashonda turned passerby curiosity into a collective meditation on art and identity. Her engagement with the work illustrates how cultural figures can amplify public conversation around art, invitation and representation in the world’s busiest intersection.
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