It’s time we killed this statue craze stone dead
- A bronze statue of the late Queen and Prince Philip was unveiled in Antrim Castle Gardens.
- The likeness of famous individuals is difficult to capture in sculpture, often resulting in unappealing representations.
- The author argues that the trend of creating figurative statues should be reconsidered due to their lack of resonance with the public.
The unveiling of a bronze statue of the late Queen and Prince Philip in Antrim Castle Gardens has sparked criticism, with the artwork described as diabolic. The challenge of accurately capturing the likeness of famous individuals in sculpture is highlighted, particularly in mediums like metal and stone, which are often seen as less refined than painting. The author points out that many contemporary statues fail to convey the essence of their subjects, citing the Princess Diana bronze as an example of a stiff and unappealing representation. In contrast, the playful spirit of Diana is better reflected in the Kensington Gardens playground named after her, which embodies her love for children. The piece argues that successful statues are often of historical figures long forgotten, suggesting that the current trend of creating figurative statues may be misguided and ultimately unfulfilling. The author concludes that the ongoing obsession with such statues should be reconsidered, as they often do not resonate with the public or capture the intended spirit of their subjects.