Dublin's National Wax Museum has removed the newly unveiled wax figure of Sinead O'Connor following notable disapproval from fans and her family.
New York Post reported that the wax representation intended to honor the late singer was retired abruptly after it failed to meet audience expectations and received extensive criticism.
The National Wax Museum in Dublin, Ireland, unveiled the wax sculpture just one day before the first anniversary of O'Connor's death. Ironically, the Museum placed it next to statues of "Star Wars" characters Darth Vader and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Despite the festive intentions, the public reacted overwhelmingly negatively. Fans on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) expressed disappointment, noting that the figure bore little resemblance to the iconic Irish singer.
The criticism peaked when John O'Connor, Sinead's brother, publicly disapproved. On RTÉ's "Liveline" radio show, he described the wax figure as "hideous" and claimed it did not embody his sister's essence. Following this public outcry, he immediately removed the figure from the Museum.
Other voices echoed John's sentiment, describing the wax figure as a "cross between a mannequin and something out of the Thunderbirds." They saw it as an inappropriate and disrespectful tribute to the late artist's legacy.
PJ Hegarty, the artist, spent over nine months crafting the wax figure, a process complicated by his health issues. This work, which marked the end of Hegarty's distinguished 40-year career, became one of his most controversial.
In response to the criticism, the National Wax Museum acknowledged the public's feedback and admitted that the figure did not meet their quality standards or fans' expectations. The Museum decided to remove the figure and announced plans to commission a new sculpture that will more accurately reflect Sinead O'Connor's spirit and iconic status.
The Museum expressed a firm commitment to honoring the singer properly and pledged to invest in a new project to recreate Sinead's wax figure. "We extend our gratitude to everyone who provided their feedback and assure you that we hear your voices. We look forward to unveiling a new figure that truly honors Sinead O'Connor and her extraordinary impact," they concluded in their statement.
This gesture reflects the Museum's dedication to maintaining respectful representations of celebrated figures in its exhibitions and its sensitivity to public and familial influences.
The Museum's tribute to a local legend sparked a broader discussion on how artists represent public figures in art forms like wax sculpting. This discussion raised questions about how artists and institutions shape works that affect public sentiment and familial honor.
By responding swiftly to criticism, the wax museum may refine Sinead O'Connor's portrayal, ensuring they honor her legacy appropriately in Irish and global culture.
The Museum's tribute to a local legend sparked a broader discussion on how artists represent public figures in art forms like wax sculpting. It prompted people to question the responsibilities of artists and institutions in creating works that influence public sentiment and familial honor.
The wax museum's swift response to criticism may refine Sinead O'Connor's portrayal, ensuring they appropriately honor her legacy in Irish and global culture.
