WNBA champs celebrated in LaToya Frazier’s Liberty Portraits

A powerful new public art installation titled "The Liberty Portraits: A Monument to the 2024 Champions" by acclaimed artist LaToya Ruby Frazier has been unveiled at Barclays Center, celebrating the New York Liberty's first-ever WNBA championship through nine-foot-tall double-sided portraits that showcase players both in uniform and with their chosen families in meaningful locations.

Nine-Foot Double-Sided Portraits

The installation features striking double-sided portraits mounted on pedestals that elevate them to nine feet in height, creating what Frazier describes as "my new 21st century monument dedicated to the New York Liberty." Each portrait presents a powerful duality: one side shows the athlete in uniform, capturing their competitive intensity and athletic excellence, while the reverse displays the player with their chosen family in locations meaningful to their personal journey. The monumental scale deliberately references the Statue of Liberty, with Frazier arranging the structures in an architectural installation that she likens to "Mount Olympus," positioning the Liberty players as "goddesses on their own mountain." This intentional design commands dignity and respect, celebrating the players not just as athletes but as beacons of women's leadership and sisterhood.instagram+3

Statue of Liberty Inspiration

The monumental scale of Frazier's Liberty portraits was deliberately inspired by the Statue of Liberty's iconic presence and symbolism. "I was inspired by the Statue of Liberty's eternal promise: freedom, hope, and the vision of a brighter future to enlighten the world," Frazier explained about her creative vision. This reference creates a powerful connection between the Liberty team's name and America's most famous monument to freedom, positioning the WNBA champions as modern symbols of female leadership and empowerment.brooklynpaper+1

The installation serves as more than just a celebration of athletic achievement—it's a statement about representation and visibility. By creating these towering portraits that require viewers to look up at the players, Frazier transforms the typical spectator experience where fans look down on athletes from arena seats. This perspective shift is intentional, encouraging the public to view these women athletes with awe and respect, much like visitors gaze up at Lady Liberty herself, creating what Frazier describes as "a bridge between the fans and the team, deepening a sense of compassion and commanding the dignity and respect the team deserves."timeout+1