This Sunday marks the 94th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther King, one of the most important civil rights advocates in U.S. history, and in his honor a sculpture was unveiled in Boston that has given people much to talk about.
The work was placed at the site where he met Coretta Scott King, his former wife, and was titled "The Embrace" as it was inspired by a photograph of the couple embracing just after Luther King learned that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
However, the 6-meter tall figure has such a peculiar shape that it could even be considered obscene.
There is a social media controversy about the new bronze sculpture in the #Boston Common honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Called Boston’s “statue of liberty,” many are saying it resembles something else. pic.twitter.com/DW0hQTatZt
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) January 14, 2023
Coretta Scott King's first cousin wrote an article in which he pointed out that the sculpture is actually insulting to his family.
"It looks more like a pair of hands hugging a beefy penis than a special moment shared by the iconic couple," he opined.
Sculpture details
The work was designed by artist Hank Willis Thomas, was made in bronze and cost about $10 million.
The shape of the figure is seen differently depending on the perspective. If the image is viewed from the front, the couple's arms can be seen, but from other angles only a hand holding a large object can be seen.
Comments in social networks
Internet users have not been indifferent to the particular shape of the sculpture and have created memes criticizing and mocking what should be a work of art that would normally generate pride.
It’s art. And it’s sure got the people talking! “The Embrace” is based on a photograph of #MLKJR and his wife. What do U make of it? #MartinLutherKingJr #MartinLutherKing #CorettaScottKing #Sculpture #Sculptures #Art #Arte #Escultura #Esculturas #ArteModerna #ModernArt #Boston pic.twitter.com/HfkhFFJzyP
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) January 14, 2023
"That the artist somehow managed to make look like, from alternate angles a) a dude eating p... b) hands struggling to hoist an ENORMOUS d...," wrote one user.
Another internet user opined that this is "probably the most obscene piece of public art in the entire United States."
