# @nextshark on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C-JRvdViVWe
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21906300-nextshark-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/legacy-do/4fc653ef8f41c5c8a995fd6d02862aa6a921bf1d2656590467f787d6b6eae68c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-08-01T23:03:08.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** NextShark (@nextshark) — https://gondola.cc/nextshark

## Caption

A controversial statue by artist Shahzia Sikander at the University of Houston was beheaded amid Hurricane Beryl on the morning of July 15. The 18-foot golden statue, titled “Witness,” was originally commissioned to celebrate women and justice but faced criticism for its artistic features, including braided horns and abstract branch-like arms. ⁠
⁠
“This was a violent, hateful and misogynistic act…The despicable narrative should not be cloaked by the hurricane. The act of violence is part of the history of the work and a testament to its power. I have asked the university to remove the tarp and show the violated work. They need to respect the wishes of the artist,” the artist told CNN. ⁠
⁠
The university confirmed the damage appears intentional and is under investigation. A university spokesperson also stated that they are honoring the artist's request to "leave the sculpture as is without any repairs." ⁠
⁠
⁠
📽️Video by: Gabe Jung⁠
🤳Click our linkinbio to sign up to our daily newsletter.⁠ ⁠⁠
📰Follow us for the latest Asian News NextShark⁠ ⁠ ⁠
⁠
⁠
#news #reel ⁠#controversialstatue #shahziasikander #universityofhouston #hurricaneberyl

## Stats

- **Views:** 72,583
- **Likes:** 0
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 673

## Tags

shahziasikander, controversialstatue, news, reel, hurricaneberyl, universityofhouston

---
Copyright (c) Gondola