The artists behind the Dwyane Wade statue are happy with their work and welcome criticism

MIAMI — The grand unveiling of Dwyane Wade's large bronze statue outside the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami had some fans wondering how closely it resembled the former Miami Heat superstar.

Wade's status became increasingly popular on social media, with some adding some creative Photoshop skills.

Some people say Wade looks like actor Laurence Fishburne, while others compare it to notable bronze models such as a sculpture of soccer star Ronaldo.

Local 10 News' Janine Stanwood took these complaints straight to the source.

Omri Amrany and Oscar Leon, the Chicago-based sculptors commissioned to create Wade's status, don't shy away from critics.

“We welcome it,” Amrany said of the backlash. “Criticism is always good in art.”

The two have an impressive body of work worldwide.

“See it in person,” Leon said. “There is a much greater appreciation when you stand in front of something. You see the details.”

They say Wade played a big part in the process and even modeled in person. They also used a computerized grid system to analyze his face and body.

“When we got the approval in the clay court, everyone said, 'This is it,'” Amrany exclaimed.

“He left happy,” Leon added.

Artistic opinions aside, everyone seems happy that D-Wade is getting what he deserves.

“This is an American story of a boy who came from Chicago,” Amrany said. “This is a message about what success means, (whether) you like it or not.”