A 13-foot bronze statue of a Black woman looking at her cellphone in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria is facing criticism from conservatives who call the work an example of “woke delirium.” The sculpture, titled Time Unfolding, is part of British artist Thomas J Price’s exhibition Thomas J Price in Florence, which opened in March at Museo Novecento.
The statue, which stands with its back to iconic Renaissance landmarks like Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi, is meant to prompt reflection on human connection, inclusivity, and the dominance of classical ideals in public art. Price said he intentionally placed the piece outdoors to challenge perceptions and start conversation.
Some critics online argue the statue undermines Florence’s artistic heritage and doesn’t reflect traditional standards of art. “Make art great again,” one person wrote. Others attacked the work with racist remarks, questioning why a Black woman would be represented in Italian public space. The exhibit, curated by Sergio Risalti, also includes other sculptures, including A Kind of Confidence displayed in the museum’s courtyard.
Despite the controversy, Price continues to showcase his work globally. On April 29, he unveiled Grounded in the Stars, a 12-foot statue of a braided Black woman with a strong stance, now installed in New York’s Times Square. According to Times Square Arts, the piece confronts assumptions about identity and representation.
