Artist Behind Dwyane Wade Statue Responds to Backlash: ‘There’s a Lot to Understand’

Following Sunday’s unveiling of the brand new Dwyane Wade statue erected outside the Kaseya Center, the conversation became so loud that an artist involved within the tribute joined the chat.

Many people have seen photos and videos of the eight-foot-tall bronze statue, modeled after the NBA Hall of Famer’s legendary song “This is my house!” celebrating victory during a match in March 2009, they criticized it for having little resemblance to the theme. Commenters online even criticized the statue created by artists working at Amrana’s Studio Rotblatt for not depicting the very same shirt Wade wore in that iconic moment.

It didn’t help that Wade was quoted by the media, including: CNNsaying, “This is crazy. I can not imagine it. Who is that this guy? throughout the unveiling. The same was not the case with the video clip of him and his son Zaire exchanging sidelong glances. However, neither this statement nor the apparent side glances turned out to be intentionally shady.

While many online viewers were outraged, the artist involved, in addition to others who’ve seen the statue in person, agree that much of the statue’s essence could also be missed within the photo.

– said the artist Oscar Leon involved within the case NBC News“According to critics, there are many things that need to be understood.”

The artist continued: “We need to seal all the things to maintain the integrity of the sculpture. However, this causes a funny side effect of shine in areas we’re not used to seeing once we take a look at someone in person.

Leon refers to the method by which a protective finish is applied to statues or sculptures to make them durable against the weather.

“The sealant definitely causes, um, a bit of confusion to the eye. So I definitely encourage everyone to come to Miami and see it for themselves,” he explained.

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In comments to the media on Monday, Wade said he was aware of the growing backlash. He also agreed that many individuals may not understand the method.

“I do not know many individuals with a statue. Do you understand anyone? Do you all here know anything in regards to the technique of making a statue? Wade asked the media on Monday: Illustrated sports reported. – Nobody does it there either. To be a part of this incredible and sophisticated process.

Leon told NBC News that the sculpture took greater than 800 hours to produce, 16 of which were spent with Wade. The artists received final approval from Wade’s closest friends and Miami Heat management. In posts to his Instagram Stories, Wade revealed more details in regards to the behind-the-scenes process, including photos of him posing with a version of the statue’s face.

The Miami Heat star selected each the famous moment the sculpture commemorates and the studio where it was made. Wade selected Studio Rotblatt Amrany due to their achievements in immortalizing a number of the NBA’s biggest legendsincluding Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He can be satisfied with the ultimate product.

“If I want it to look like me, I’ll just stand in front of the arena and you guys just take pictures,” he said, according to Sports Illustrated. “It doesn’t have to appear to be me. It’s a creative version of a moment that happened.”

However, Wade admitted that he was amused by the jokes.

“I appreciate all the comments you all have,” he said, adding: “I’m in on the joke. I’m laughing all the time.”