Florence’s iconic Piazza della Signoria now hosts a striking new addition that breaks with centuries of tradition. A towering 13-foot bronze statue depicting a young Black woman looking at her cellphone stands boldly among Renaissance masterpieces. This contemporary artwork has quickly become the center of heated debate across Italy and beyond.
British sculptor Thomas J. Price’s piece titled Time Unfolding was unveiled as part of an exhibition at Florence’s Museo Novecento in March. The statue deliberately turns its back to historic landmarks like the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery, creating a powerful visual statement.
Modern Art Disrupts Renaissance Landscape
The strategic placement of Time Unfolding in one of Italy’s most historically significant public spaces was no accident. Price intentionally positioned his work outdoors to spark conversation about representation in public art.
Curator Sergio Risaliti worked with Price to create an exhibition that extends beyond museum walls. The show includes sculptures of various sizes displayed throughout the museum, alongside two outdoor bronzes: A Kind of Confidence in the Museo Novecento courtyard and the now-controversial Time Unfolding.
Black Representation Challenges Art Traditions
Price’s statue stands 3.6 meters tall and depicts a casual moment – a young Black woman absorbed in her phone. The everyday nature of this scene contrasts sharply with the heroic and mythological figures dominating Florence’s art landscape.
Through this work, Price explores themes of human connection while challenging who gets immortalized in bronze. His art questions the traditional exclusion of Black figures from monumental public statuary throughout European art history.
Conservative Backlash Ignites Debate
Not everyone welcomes this artistic disruption. Conservative critics have voiced strong opposition to the statue’s placement. Many claim Florence has succumbed to “woke delirium” by allowing such a contemporary piece in its historic center.
“Woke delirium in Florence, where a statue of a black girl was installed in Piazza della Signoria to contrast the ‘Renaissance space devoted to male power’ of Donatello’s David,” complained one critic on social media. Others demanded to “Make art great again,” suggesting the installation undermines local culture.
Racial Undertones Surface in Criticism
What began as artistic critique has unfortunately veered into racist territory on social media platforms. Some comments reveal deeper prejudices beneath aesthetic objections.
One particularly troubling comment on X (formerly Twitter) questioned: “Why are Italians putting statues of a black woman in their country? Italy is for Italians.” Such statements expose the racial tensions underlying debates about representation in European public spaces.
Artist Continues Breaking Barriers
The controversy hasn’t deterred Price from his artistic mission. Just weeks after the Florence installation sparked debate, he unveiled another monumental work in New York City.
On April 29, Price’s 12-foot bronze statue titled Grounded in the Stars was installed in Times Square. This piece features a realistic depiction of a Black woman with braided hair wearing everyday clothes. She stands confidently with hands on hips and a contemplative expression, continuing Price’s exploration of Black representation in public art.
Redefining Classical Beauty Standards
Price’s work directly challenges traditional notions of what deserves monumental bronze treatment. Critics claim his Florence installation aims to “reflect on inclusivity” because “the ideal of classical beauty is a cage.”
By placing a contemporary figure engaged with modern technology in a space traditionally reserved for classical ideals, Price invites viewers to question established art narratives. His work suggests that beauty and artistic significance aren’t confined to Renaissance ideals or limited to certain bodies.