In 2022, a life-size golden statue of Elon Musk was unveiled in a Russian city, portraying him as a modern-day Prometheus, the mythological figure who brought fire to humanity.
This evocative representation sparked mixed reactions about Musk's public persona.
In 2023, a group of artists created a statue made from recycled materials to honor Musk's contributions to electric vehicles and space exploration, reflecting a more environmentally-conscious approach to celebrating his achievements.
Beyond physical sculptures, Musk's image has been frequently represented in digital art and memes, which can celebrate or critique his influential role in technology and society.
One notable digital statue depicts Musk's head on the body of a goat riding a rocket, created by a cryptocurrency platform to promote their "Elon Goat Token" and delivered to Tesla's headquarters in Austin, Texas.
In 2020, the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma modified their iconic "Golden Driller" statue to feature Musk's likeness, as part of their bid to attract Tesla's Gigafactory 5 to their region.
A life-size bronze statue of Musk was unveiled in Manhattan in 2022 to commemorate his 50th birthday, sparking a range of reactions from New Yorkers about its significance and artistic merit.
The Elon Musk statues have been interpreted as both reverential representations of his innovative contributions and as critiques of his outsized influence and ego within the tech industry.
The materials used in the statues, from gold to recycled goods, reflect the diverse ways artists have chosen to depict Musk, highlighting different aspects of his persona and legacy.
The placement of the statues, from Russian cities to American metropolitan areas, demonstrates the global fascination with Musk and his impact on technology, business, and popular culture.
Social media has played a significant role in amplifying and often satirizing the various Elon Musk statues, with users creating their own mock-ups and sharing them widely online.
The Elon Musk statues have become a topic of discussion around the role of public art in representing influential figures, and the potential for such works to spark debates about ethics, wealth, and power.
The evolving nature of the Elon Musk statues, with new iterations and responses emerging over time, reflects the dynamic and often controversial nature of the billionaire's public persona and legacy.