Public reaction to the newly unveiled design for the Miklós Fenyő memorial statue in Budapest’s 13th District has been sharply divided, with fans criticizing the likeness of the plaster model. While the city plans to install the 180-centimeter bronze figure on March 12, 2027, to mark the musician’s 80th birthday, online commentators and former colleagues argue the current design fails to capture the iconic singer’s facial features.
Why are fans criticizing the statue design?
Social media users have expressed significant dissatisfaction following the release of the miniature plaster model. According to reports from Index, fans have flooded comment sections with claims that the design does not resemble the late rock and roll star. Some critics went as far as comparing the sculpture to other public figures, such as journalist Henrik Havas.
The core of the criticism centers on the lack of facial accuracy. One commenter explicitly urged the district’s mayor, József Tóth, to reconsider the current design, suggesting there is still time to commission a sculptor who can better capture Fenyő’s specific, recognizable features.
How does the artist’s colleague view the sculpture?
Róbert Szikora, a former collaborator of Fenyő, provided a mixed review of the work by sculptor Előd Orbán. In an interview with Fókusz, Szikora noted that while the artist successfully captured the body language and posture of the musician, the head does not reflect the subject’s actual appearance.
This creates a distinct contrast between the professional jury’s selection and the public’s expectations. While the jury prioritized the overall artistic spirit of the piece, critics are prioritizing photographic realism, a recurring tension in the commissioning of public commemorative statuary.
Public art commissions often face a “likeness gap” during the transition from a small-scale maquette to a full-sized monument. Experts note that facial details are often refined significantly in the final sculpting stages, which may address some of the current public concerns.
What is the family’s stance on the artistic vision?
Dió Fenyő, the musician’s daughter, has publicly defended the jury’s choice, framing the statue as a representation of broader concepts rather than a literal portrait. According to the 24.hu news portal, she stated that the statue is intended to embody the spirit, rebellion, and rock and roll legacy of her father rather than serve as a static photograph.
The 13th District’s press and communications representative, Zsolt Ladányi, also defended the selection process. He stated that the 40-centimeter maquette is not representative of the final detail level expected in the 180-centimeter version, suggesting that the public’s concerns may be addressed as the work scales up.
FAQ
- When will the Miklós Fenyő statue be inaugurated?
The statue is scheduled for unveiling on March 12, 2027, the date of what would have been the singer’s 80th birthday. - Where will the statue be located?
It will be placed in front of Szent István park 26, near the apartment where Fenyő lived for over 50 years. - Who designed the statue?
The design competition was won by sculptor Előd Orbán, whose miniature model was selected by a professional jury.
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