Noir Nation, talk about iconic energy meeting iconic art!
Lizzo made a surprise appearance in the heart of Times Square this week, where she stopped to pose next to a striking 12-foot statue that celebrates the strength, beauty, and power of Black women.
The sculpture — titled “Returning the Gaze” by artist Vinnie Bagwell — is part of a major public art installation amplifying Black female representation in public spaces. The bronze monument reimagines the traditional “muse” through a regal Black woman standing tall, proud, and unbothered.
🎤 Lizzo, Always With the Message
Never one to miss a cultural moment, Lizzo shared pics of the moment on IG, standing proudly beside the towering work of art, writing:
“You can be fat…you can be black…but you can be no fat, black, B^TCH””
And sis, we felt that! 👑
🖼️ ABOUT THE STATUE
- 📍 Located in Times Square, NYC
- 🗿 Created by Black female sculptor Vinnie Bagwell
- 🎯 Part of the “Art for Change” initiative to reclaim space and visibility for Black women in American history
- 🙌🏾 Symbolizes pride, protection, and the visibility of Black femininity in the public realm
📲 SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS:
💬 “Exactly so proud of you Lizzo for humanizing black women in particular those of us that struggle with our weight!!!”
💬 “U ROCK BEAUTIFUL BLESSED QUEEN IN 2025🙏🏾🎈🌹💐♦️😇✨️❤️🖤💙💜”
💬 “Love this . I have been so disgusted by the ppl who look like me spewing negativity on this beautiful piece or work.”
This is what it looks like when Black women are the monument.
📸 IG MOMENT:
Lizzo in her element 🙌🏾
The superstar hit Times Square and posed beside “Returning the Gaze” — a 12-foot bronze statue honoring the power of Black women, created by Black female sculptor Vinnie Bagwell.
This is what reclaiming space looks like. 👑
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