NO SUCH THING Why are modern statues so bad?
Sep 24, 2025
Join sculptor John Belardo, an art educator and chief technician at Lehman College, as he tackles the cringeworthy state of modern public statues. He explores why iconic figures like Ronaldo and Dwyane Wade end up with less-than-flattering likenesses. Belardo delves into the evolution of portrait sculpture, the impact of photography on expectations, and the technical challenges of sculpting, emphasizing that rising standards may be outpacing sculptors' training. He also analyzes specific failures, shedding light on the sculptural process and its complexities.
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Ronaldo Bust Became An Internet Firing Squad
- The Cristiano Ronaldo bust at Madeira Airport was widely mocked for inaccurate features and awkward expression.
- The sculptor later replaced it with a more generic, passport-like version after criticism.
Photography Raised The Likeness Bar
- Photography and now video changed public expectations because people have objective visual records of famous faces.
- Sculptors must match those recorded images or risk public rejection.
Sculpture Is More Than 2D Likeness
- Sculpting a likeness relies on anatomy, proportion, depth and color despite working in one material.
- Outdoor lighting and monochrome bronze complicate achieving recognizable skin-tone and detail.
