Times Square Mural Is Criticized

MYFOXNY.COM - In Times Square, where oversized billboards and flashing lights are routinely ignored, one mural is turning heads.

The mural was recently put up on 42nd Street. It depicts black and Latina women with long fingernails and little clothing. The mural and its creator -- a 26-year-old artist -- are facing fierce criticism.

"Why are they not standing here with briefcases and cell phones or even communicating with people to show the professionalism of black and Latino women?" says Anthony Herbert, a community advocate.

The young artist, Sofia Maldonado, a Latina woman herself, says she's bringing to Times Square a community of women representative of Harlem, Brooklyn, and other boroughs. And with it, a side of New York most tourists don't see.

But critics argue this mural is a step back in time -- back to a day when 42nd Street was overwhelmed by prostitutes and peep shows.

Some passersby told Fox 5 News that the mural is degrading to all women.

Critics are now calling for the mural to be taken down.

The Times Square Alliance, which put up the mural said it was sorry if it offended anybody. The alliance released this statement:

"Since its installation, Sofia Moldanado's mural has drawn a variety of responses from New Yorkers, both negative and positive. The goal of the privately funded Public Art Program of the Times Square Alliance is to bring the work of up-and-coming contemporary artists to Times Square and while numerous people have reacted positively to the work and the artist's intent, we are sorry that some others have found it offensive or disrespectful. It certainly was not our intent."