A new 10-foot-tall bronze statue honoring music icon Tina Turner has been unveiled in her hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee. The statue, revealed on September 27 during the annual Tina Turner Heritage Days celebration, depicts the late singer in a performance pose. However, the artwork has received a mixed reaction from fans, with many expressing disappointment over its likeness to the legendary artist.
Key Takeaways
- A 10-foot bronze statue of Tina Turner was unveiled in Brownsville, Tennessee.
- The unveiling took place during the annual Tina Turner Heritage Days celebration on September 27.
- Fans have expressed significant disappointment with the statue's resemblance to the singer.
- Sculptor Fred Ajanogha reportedly focused on capturing Turner's distinctive hair.
Statue Unveiling in Brownsville
The bronze tribute stands 10 feet tall. It was officially presented to the public in rural Brownsville, Tennessee. This event coincided with the yearly Tina Turner Heritage Days festivities. Turner, who passed away in May 2023 at 83, is shown in a characteristic performance stance. She wears a mini-skirt and heels, holding a microphone. The statue is located near a museum dedicated to her at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
Fred Ajanogha, an Atlanta-based sculptor, created the piece. Reports indicate that Ajanogha paid particular attention to Turner's hair. He described it as resembling the “mane of a lion,” according to the Associated Press. This detail was a central focus of his artistic effort.
Statue Details
- Height: 10 feet
- Material: Bronze
- Location: Brownsville, Tennessee, near the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
- Depiction: Tina Turner performing in a mini-skirt and heels, holding a microphone
Fan Reactions Emerge Online
Following the unveiling, the Brownsville Haywood County Chamber of Commerce shared a video on Facebook. This video captured the moment the statue was revealed. Soon after, fans began to voice their dissatisfaction in the comments section. The feedback was largely critical of the statue's appearance.
"That statue should have been kicked down after the unveiling. That is a very poor replica of what is supposed to be The Iconic Tina Turner. So Disrespectful!" one user wrote. Another fan commented, "Whoever paid for the statue should get their money back."
The criticism was not limited to Facebook. Social media platform X also saw many negative reactions. One disappointed fan described the statue as a "tragedy," adding, "She deserves better." These comments highlight a widespread feeling among the singer's admirers that the artwork does not capture her essence accurately.
Public Disappointment with Likeness
Several users specifically pointed out issues with the statue's facial features and hair. One person wrote, "I’m sorry, but the Tina Turner statue is hilarious. I can’t look at it without laughing. And that’s my girl, but why they do that to her hair?" This sentiment was echoed by others who questioned the artistic interpretation.
Another music enthusiast suggested a deeper issue with the quality of such public art. "At this point I'm convinced that these so-called sculptors are trolling us," the person posted. This comment reflects a growing frustration with statues that fail to accurately represent their subjects.
Background on Tina Turner
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, was an American-born Swiss singer and actress. Known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," she rose to prominence in the 1960s with her then-husband Ike Turner. Her career spanned over six decades, marked by powerful vocals, energetic performances, and hit songs like "Proud Mary" and "What's Love Got to Do with It." She sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Turner's impact on music and culture is significant, making an accurate tribute important to her global fanbase.
Comparisons to Other Controversial Statues
Some observers, drawing on knowledge of art, suggested that the medium itself might be the problem, rather than solely the sculptor's skill. They noted that bronze statues do not always translate well. This perspective shifts some blame from the artist to the inherent challenges of the material.
One social media user shared side-by-side images of the new Turner statue alongside a widely criticized 2009 statue of comedy legend Lucille Ball. The Ball statue was so poorly received that its sculptor eventually issued an apology. This comparison suggests a pattern of bronze statues failing to meet public expectations for celebrity likenesses. The person concluded, "Some bronze statues just don’t turn out that well."
The incident highlights the challenge of creating public art that satisfies both artistic vision and public expectation, especially when honoring beloved figures like Tina Turner. The debate continues online as fans discuss the legacy of the artist and the nature of her tribute.