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Times Square Mural in Hot Water
Leaders of the African American and Hispanic community are not happy about the 92-foot mural near New York’s Times Square. The mural interestingly called, “Women Striving to Get Ahead” features Black and Latina women in racy poses. Commissioned by The Times Square Alliance, these images are an obvious sexual exaggeration of Black and Latina women’s bodies. Centered in the world’s largest entertainment district, several organizations in New York have called protests demanding the immediate removal of the mural.
Although the mural has caused controversy, the artist defends her work. Sofia Maldonado spoke to New York’s FOX News on Wednesday stating that her work is misunderstood. Maldonado says she’s glad the mural is sparking discussion.
Should the mural be removed?
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ummm…not only am I offended by this pictures they are not even cute…the colors are attractive but the images aren’t what I would call art. Why woudl somebody okat these to put in times square and what is the message because I really don’t see “Women Striving to get ahead”….SMH
There used to be a lot of prostitutes around that strip in the 70′s-early 80′s. I wonder if there’s a connection. I’m sure there were all types of girls who worked those streets so the least they could do is show some accurate representation. Either way it’s offensive to me.
They’re striving to get ahead in these scantlily clad clothes? Really? Well when I was “striving to get ahead” it included text books, a job that required buisness casual dress, and I had to see where I was going. The nails are outrageous, the hair, the poses. All of these negative images reinforce what the music videos and statistics portray about black women. This is how others want us to see ourselves. Thanks clutch for tying in the motif. I get it there is an assualt on black women and -it’s coming from all sides even ourselves- from Tierra Mari’s lyrics, Precious,to these new statistics. This is truely motivation for me to be who God see’s me as rather than people, just so that I can dispell all these myths. Striving to get a head is currently smh!
Let the Church say Amen!
Really? Did you just call “Precious” an assault on the Black Woman? You clearly haven’t read the actual book of poetry, as the movie actually leaves out the worst that the book has to offer. Secondly, you obviously aren’t familiar with Maldonado’s work. The typical aesthetic that she uses in her depictions of women is relatively the same used in the mural, and it doesn’t surprise me that people want to ignore the women who are still suffering and demeaned by others. Everyone isn’t a business woman or beautiful in the conventional sense.
They must think that they’re trying to be cute with this mural, but it’s not. This mural depicts the sleaziness and denouncement of women. It shows me that black people are still fighting to overcome such drama like this. Does this artist think that all African and Hispanic American women act in this manner? It’s like saying to me that you approve of this lifestyle, and over stating it a bit. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I just dont see how the images is supposed to be tied to the title. Seems contradictory to me. But overall it’s not very eye pleasing anyway, they could have came up with something better.
Not only am I offended by the images that are far from representing me and what I’m trying to do, but somebody need to call Dr. Seuss’ people and let them know that this “artist” stole his stuff! Them whimsical designs are his!
personally…i am not offended and like the vibrancy and colours used in the wall. I wouldn’t mind hanging them up in my PERSONAL space or seeing them in an privately owned art gallery.
BUT…and this is a big but here…these images do offend some members of New York’s hardworking minority communities (I totally understand this) and let us not forget that NYC is America’s face to the world. Therefore, I *whole-heartedly* agree that this mural should be taken down…immediately Despite my personal preferences, I think that in public spaces, particularly places such as Times Square, we should be especially sensitive to such concerns.
yes it should.
That mural is disgusting. Its not artistic, its slander and character defamation!
Torrence, the painting is neither slander nor character defamation. Slander is spoken. Character Defamation pertains to a specific person, and as far as I know, the artist didn’t strive to depict any particular people in the mural. Just thought I’d point that out.
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Having no frame of reference, I can see how people would be offended by this mural. However, I am familiar with Sofia Maldonado’s work and she paints women of all races this way. I recall seeing her work for the first time at Art|Basel in Miami. The painting depicted a White woman in the same type of clothes, hairstyle etc. The fact of the matter is Maldonado (a Latina herself) paints a certain type of woman. That is her niche. Whether or not you find that type of woman to be an embarrassing stereotype to be hidden away from the public eye at all times; and whether it was appropriate to display only this ilk of woman in such a high profile area only to be misunderstood as a representation of all Black or Latino women is the question.
The mural says more about the artist than the people she’s attempting to portray. And this mural is saying bigot to me.
sorry, but Sofia Maldonado’s art is pretty dope I like her “niche”. Sadly, this mural is wack and doesnt work for this location. Seeing the title does changes my perspective on the whole thing though so I can see why ppl would want it removed. She might just be the type that doesn’t care for concept/messages behind her portrayals of black/latina women in her art. Which is why some ignoramuses are probally glad the mural seemingly justifies stereotypres about black/latina women. I dont know either way she could have did way better on 92ft of wall instead of this crap. I love how art sparks talk.