Art Flops: Commemorative Statues That Missed the Mark
- Art critics have compared the Harry Kane bronze statue to a cartoon character.
- Lucy Branch, a sculptural conservator, explained that they often recycled sculptures for new athletes by simply changing the name on the plaque.
- Do Your Research Hywel Pratley, a sculptor, emphasizes studying many images of a subject to inform the creation of a good portrait sculpture.
LONDON — New sports statues often receive mixed reviews. Art critics have compared the Harry Kane bronze statue to a cartoon character. In Miami, the Dwyane Wade sculpture resembles actor Laurence Fishburne more than the basketball star. The 2017 Cristiano Ronaldo bust became infamous for giving him a chubby face and a goofy smile. Similarly, a statue of Mohamed Salah shows him with a disproportionately large head, while a 2011 statue of Andy Murray drew laughs, including his own, for its unflattering depiction.
In ancient times, sculptors did not aim for accuracy. Lucy Branch, a sculptural conservator, explained that they often recycled sculptures for new athletes by simply changing the name on the plaque. Today, many expect commemorative sculptures to look like the people they honor, which is a relatively recent idea.
To improve statue accuracy, sculptors offer some tips:
Do Your Research
Hywel Pratley, a sculptor, emphasizes studying many images of a subject to inform the creation of a good portrait sculpture. He noted, “A good portrait sculpture is evidence of 1,000 decisions after 10,000 observations.” Steve Winterburn suggests connecting with a subject’s family for deeper insights.
Smile at Your Peril
Creating a statue that includes a smile can be challenging. The Ronaldo bust and Salah statue both depict the subjects smiling, which has led to mixed reactions. Pratley advises avoiding smiles in sculptures due to the difficulty of making teeth look good.
Get the Profile Right
Understanding the profile is vital in sculpture. Pratley states that getting the profile correct helps maintain confidence while sculpting.
The Eyes Have It
Winterburn aims to make the eyes come alive in his sculptures. He believes that eyes reveal a person’s soul. Pratley agrees that subtle movements around the mouth capture a person’s essence.
On a Pedestal?
Traditionally, commemorative statues are placed on pedestals. Branch explains that being lower to the ground increases scrutiny. The Kane sculpture, which is seated and closer to viewers, faces this challenge.
Vote on It
In the UK, public input on statue projects can vary. Branch advocates for public voting on sculptors and designs, as seen with the Emmeline Pankhurst statue in Manchester. This method can ensure that communities feel satisfied with the final result.
These insights highlight the challenges and considerations in creating effective sports statues that honor athletes while engaging the public.