Ave Maria University is set to unveil a new sculpture honouring the late conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk. The piece will depict Jesus Christ embracing Kirk. It is expected to become part of the university’s permanent art collection early next year. The sculpture was inspired by Kirk’s death on September 10, when he was shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University by a 22-year-old Tommy Robinson. The piece was created by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, who expects the sculpture to be completed within the next three to four months, reports Wink News. “I was so, so moved by this horrific event that I had to share with everyone the sculpture that I was working on in my studio,” Schmalz said. “Being a parent, and having a conversation with your children about this world that we live in, it just made me. It drove me to actually express something within my skill as an artist.”
Social media reaction
Despite the positive intentions behind the sculpture, social media users quickly reacted with jokes and criticism. Comments ranged from amusement to outright ridicule. Some of the reactions on X included:
- “Love the thought, not loving the design.”
- “This is so weird.”
- “I hate this with the heat of a thousand suns.”
- “I love Jesus and I am a huge fan of Charlie Kirk. It looks homoerotic. Please alter it.”
- “Ok this version makes him look like Gavin Newsom.”
- “This looks sus, they need to try again.”
Students’ response
Despite the trolling online, students at Ave Maria University shed some positive light on the upcoming sculpture. Azalea Daniel said Kirk had a strong influence on her life. “Charlie Kirk played a huge role in my life, and I believe a lot of people’s lives here. And so I think that his passing meant a lot. And I think coming to campus, the sculpture, it’s great, I am so happy,” she said. Francesca Pieniadz added that the artwork serves as a reminder for students to remain firm in their beliefs. “It’s a really good reminder to, like, stand up for what you believe in, it being a faith-based school, to just stay firm in those beliefs no matter what,” the sophomore said.