Shahzia Sikander's 'Witness' Vandalized: Artist Insists on Leaving Sculpture Damaged to Expose Hate

The University of Houston campus is at the center of a firestorm after a controversial sculpture, "Witness," by artist Shahzia Sikander, was vandalized. The 18-foot bronze statue depicting a powerful female figure was beheaded just days after facing fierce criticism and protests from anti-abortion groups who labeled it "satanic." 

These groups, including Texas Right to Life, staged protests and called for its removal, misinterpreting its symbolism and distorting its intent. The ram horns, described by Sikander as symbols of strength and wisdom, and the lace collar, reminiscent of the one worn by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, are meant to celebrate female autonomy and justice. 

Shahzia Sikander, a celebrated Pakistani-American artist, is no stranger to controversy. Her works challenge societal norms and provoke thought, often becoming flashpoints in cultural and political debates. 

"Witness" is part of a broader narrative that underscores the intersection of art, activism, and free expression. Originally displayed to critical acclaim at Madison Square Park in New York City, the sculpture's move to Houston brought it into the crosshairs of ideological battles. 

The university believes the act was intentional and has launched an investigation. However, Sikander has a more radical proposal. She wants the sculpture displayed as-is, with the damage a permanent scar serving as a stark reminder of the "violent act of hate" it endured. 

"This was a violent, hateful, and misogynistic act," Sikander said in a statement to the reporter. "And I hold the University of Houston accountable for their inadequate response and failure to protect the art. I urge them to release the footage of the perpetrator. 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." 

This incident is just the latest in a string of attacks on art with political or social messages. A Virgin Mary statue in Austria met a similar fate, and a civil rights exhibition in Virginia was destroyed. 

The University of Houston itself played a role in this silencing. When faced with protests from the anti-abortion group Texas Right to Life, the university canceled a planned artist talk and opted not to display an accompanying video work by Sikander. This decision raises concerns about censorship and bowing to pressure from special interest groups.