Focus on Bearing Witness (sculpture) and explain the Reception.
Despite its size and prominent location “Bearing Witness” has been the focus of minimal criticism, aside from general criticism over the extensive costs of GSA funded artwork. It is colloquially referred to as “the thumb” by locals, and is the site of occasional concerts, art “jams”, and food tabling.  Many observers connect the form of the sculpture to that of a head, or possibly a fang mask, which inspired many of Puryear’s other artworks. Art critic David Levi-Strauss makes the claim that the sculpture is inspired by the head of Puryear’s daughter, Sasha.