Controversial Statue Beheaded at University of Houston Amidst Backlash

A statue by Pakistani-American artist Shahzia Sikander, titled “Witness,” has been beheaded at the University of Houston, igniting controversy and debate. The 18-foot golden sculpture, which depicts a levitating woman, was originally commissioned for Madison Square Park in New York and symbolizes women and justice. Its design features braided hair resembling ram horns and a hoop skirt adorned with mosaic shards, representing a woman adorned by a broken glass ceiling. However, these artistic elements have faced criticism, particularly from a Texas anti-abortion group that labeled the statue a “satanic” tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In response to the backlash, the university canceled the statue's opening celebration and a scheduled talk by Sikander. The artist expressed her disappointment, holding the university accountable for what she described as a “violent, hateful, and misogynistic act.” Sikander urged the university to display the damaged statue without repairs, viewing it as a testament to its power and the violence it has endured. The university acknowledged the damage, which occurred during Hurricane Beryl, and stated that the incident is under investigation by the University of Houston Police Department. They also indicated that they would respect Sikander’s wishes to leave the sculpture in its current state. However, the university has not addressed Sikander’s claims regarding their failure to protect the artwork or the existence of surveillance footage related to the incident.