Why Do We Keep Making Ugly Celebrity Statues?

Celebrities are often immortalized in bronze, but not all statues capture their essence.

The Tina Turner Statue Controversy

Fans of the legendary Tina Turner were left disappointed when her statue in Brownsville, Tennessee, was unveiled. The statue's bulbous hair, menacing smile, and claw-like hands drew criticism for its lack of resemblance to the beloved singer.

A History of Bad Celebrity Statues

Tina Turner's statue is not the first to face backlash. Notable examples include:

• Lucille Ball's "Scary Lucy" (2009) in Celoron, New York, which resembled a fairy-tale villain.
• Cristiano Ronaldo's crooked statue (2017), which appeared to be made by a rival.
• Dwyane Wade and James Dean, whose statues also failed to capture their likeness.

Why Are These Statues So Bad?

Creating a realistic statue of a celebrity is challenging for several reasons:

• High Expectations: People have strong reference points for celebrities, making it difficult to meet expectations.
• Bronze Rush: Deadlines can compromise the quality of bronze statues, which are meant to last centuries.
• Artistic Limitations: Many contemporary artists prefer abstract work over realistic figurative sculptures.

The Artistic Dilemma

According to Alex Ungprateeb Flynn, a professor at UCLA, the goal of sculpture is not realism but capturing the essence of the subject. Meanwhile, Mark Tribe, MFA fine arts chair at the School of Visual Arts, notes that commissions often limit creativity, leading to statues that spark debate rather than honor legacies.