A new Martin Luther King Jr. sculpture in Boston has been met with public scorn and ridicule by some, with many on social media bashing the abstract-looking work.

Controversy is not new to the world of sculptures and statues. In fact, some publications and websites have compiled extensive lists of what they deem to be the worst or ugliest pieces across the U.S. and world.

Take, for instance, this 2017 listing by BestLifeOnline.com: it sought to identify the “ugliest” statue in each of the 50 states. What made the list from Maine? A large, mysterious “Big Boyz Statue” on the outskirts of Augusta, off Route 201.

According to roadarch.com, “Tony’s Pushcart” (let’s call him “Tony”) was moved here from an antiques dealer in New Hampshire in 1996 and was “originally painted blue and white with vertical stripes.” The motorcycle repair business on site, Big Boyz Cycles, moved to a different location in Augusta years ago.

But the Tony statue still stands in a fenced-up field, looking almost menacingly out at Route 201/Riverside Drive with a battle scar-looking gash of rust running down its face. Roadarch.com has more information about its interesting history here.

A few folks have even traveled to take photos next to it and suggested the statue could use a fresh coat of paint.

Have you seen Tony before while visiting Augusta? Did you know of his existence before now? Let us know in the comments.

Word on the Street is an online-only feature about trending happenings in central Maine. If you have an idea for our next Word on the Street, email Ben Pinette at bpinette@mainetoday.com.

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