10 Most Controversial Statues And Sculptures In Texas

The University of Texas in Austin faced recent controversy when student government made a resolution to have the statue of Jefferson Davis, former president of the Confederate States of America, removed from the main mall. Jefferson Davis was an outspoken proponent of slavery and state’s rights. While acknowledging the complexity of Davis’ historical significance, UT President Gregory L. Fenves decided to have the statue moved to the Briscoe Center of American History, also located on UT’s campus, where Davis’ ‘unique role in the American South’ can be ‘explained and understood through an educational exhibit.’

Downtown Austin joined a list of cities to welcome the controversial ‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture by artist Timothy Schmalz. The sculpture depicts a bronze figure laying on a park bench under a blanket. The face and body are covered, but the feet are exposed and display the markings of the nail-pierced feet of Jesus. Many people are emotionally moved by the statue, which is ‘meant to raise awareness of the marginalized.’ Even Pope Francis welcomed a copy to be placed outside the Vatican. Others find it to be a demeaning depiction and an embarrassment for the city’s image. Schmalz welcomes the reactions and says that the statue is ‘meant to challenge people.’

The Arlington City Council already faced a difficult decision about what to do with the gigantic pink granite monoliths, called Caelum Moor, in a private real estate park when ministers from local churches stepped forward to express concerns that pagan groups were using the location as a place for ceremonies and animal sacrifices. Norm Hines, the artist, said it was meant to ‘evoke the feeling of the Scottish Highlands.’ But after developers bought the property in the mid 90s, the rocks were removed and stored until 2009, when they were reconfigured and installed in Richard Greene Linear Park between the Cowboys Stadium and Rangers Ballpark.