Support Sought for Charlie Kirk Statue by Artist Sergio Furnari
Italian artist Sergio Furnari is reaching out for support for a statue of Charlie Kirk, set to be unveiled in Times Square this September. “It’ll be right in the center of Times Square, which I think is like the heart of everything,” Furnari remarked in one of his videos. He encourages people to bring family and friends, saying that if you’re a fan of Kirk, this might just be the chance to experience a sense of peace and harmony.
Furnari has been working on the statue since the tragic death of Turning Point USA’s founder, Kirk, who was killed last year at an event in Utah. Throughout the process, Furnari has shared insights and updates on his Instagram account.
Background on the Statue
In a recent video, Furnari talked about how, before Kirk’s death, he wasn’t particularly fond of him. However, he admired Kirk’s ability to engage in dialogue with those who disagreed with him. “I didn’t agree with 99.9% of what he said, but I found value in even just 0.001%. Murder due to differing opinions reflects a deeper issue,” he shared.
Plans are in place to showcase the statue on September 10, marking a year since Kirk’s passing. In a more troubling update, Furnari disclosed that he had received threats concerning both himself and the statue prior to its debut.
Public Reaction
In a recent video, Furnari addressed potential backlash, saying, “Okay, haters, how many times do you want to kill Charlie? Once wasn’t enough?” He expressed frustration with those who might wish to vandalize the statue. “If you’re afraid of a statue, something’s wrong. It’s a statue; it symbolizes freedom of speech.”
Furnari reflected on his experiences with criticism in the past, noting that he once faced issues when creating a bust of former President Donald Trump, which he displayed on Trump’s 80th birthday. He downplayed his concerns regarding backlash, dismissing critics as “barking like Chihuahuas,” implying that they lack real bite.
A Personal Perspective
Interestingly, Furnari clarified that his project isn’t motivated by political ideologies. “I like Trump, sure, but I’m not here to make political waves. I’m simply an artist focusing on a man who faced immense challenges,” he stated, underscoring his ambivalent stance on politics. “I’ve never voted and don’t plan to; this isn’t political but rather a tribute.”
To continue the funding of the statue, Furnari has even sold his apartment and established a GoFundMe page. He describes the statue as “larger than life,” highlighting his dedication to the project.
