Critics and Fans Weigh In on the New Dwyane Wade Statue in Miami

The unveiling of the new Dwyane Wade statue outside the Kaseya Center in Miami has sparked a mix of reactions from fans and critics alike. Let’s delve into the various opinions on this tribute to the basketball icon and explore the art behind the monument.

Mixed Reviews from Miami Fans

On Monday, when NBC6 asked visitors about their impressions of the statue, opinions were divided. Some fans appreciated the sculpture, while others had mixed feelings. One attendee, Todd Marius, noted, "The first thing that came to mind was, that sort of looks like Laurence Fishburne, not so much Dwyane Wade."

Another visitor drew attention to the statue’s peculiarities, remarking specifically on the teeth. This feedback highlights the intricacies of representing a real-life figure in bronze, a challenge that artists face when striving for accuracy.

Dwyane Wade on The Statue

Dwyane Wade himself has weighed in on the design. Speaking to reporters, Wade emphasized that the statue was a replica of his iconic "This is my house!" celebration during the game-winning celebration against the Chicago Bulls in March 2009. This moment holds tremendous significance for Wade, solidifying it as one of the most memorable in his career.

"[The statue] makes sure that every fan when they see it, they remember my career," said Wade. "I think it sums up my career and this building.”

The Artistic Process Behind the Statue

The highly detailed statue was created by a team of artists, who began with a collection of photos of Dwyane Wade. They turned these photos into a clay model and used computer-aided design to finalize the sculpture. According to Oscar Leon, one of the artists, the creation required over 800 hours of work, with 16 hours dedicated to working directly with Wade.

Leon explained, "We have to seal everything to keep the integrity of the sculpture. However, that does create a funny little side effect of being glossy in areas that we are not used to seeing when we look at somebody in the flesh." This sealant, he emphasized, can sometimes create an odd optical distortion when viewed from certain angles.

Defending the Sculpture

The artist added, "To the critics, there’s a lot that needs to be understood. The sealer definitely creates a little bit of a misunderstanding to the eye. So, I would definitely encourage everyone to come to Miami and view it in person."

Some fans agreed with this sentiment. Luqman Shaheed noted, "I’m happy with it because we all know who this is. He’s Dwyane Wade…he left his legacy here, and now all the people and fans get to come and take pictures and have a little moment with him."

Conclusion

As the statue of Dwyane Wade continues to stir debate and curiosity among fans and the public, one thing is clear: the monument serves as a lasting testament to Wade’s impressive contributions to the Miami Heat and NBA legacy. Despite the mixed reviews, the statue has undoubtedly become a significant attraction in Miami, offering an opportunity for visitors to engage with basketball history in person. If you’re a fan of basketball or history, consider making a trip to Miami to see the statue for yourself and form your own opinion.

Call to Action: Visit Miami and Experience the Dwyane Wade Statue

Whether you love or loathe the statue, the visit to Miami offers an unmissable experience. Don’t delay; see the Dwyane Wade statue and be part of the ongoing dialogue surrounding this iconic tribute.