Public sculptures as heritage agents in contested urban spaces: a systematic review of identity, memory, and resignification

This systematic review examines how public figure sculptures function as heritage agents in urban identity construction, memory formation, and group relations; a phenomenon underexplored through systematic analysis. Comprehensive searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR (10–15 March 2025) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published 2010–2025 in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese were included if they analysed public figure sculptures in relation to heritage, identity, memory, group dynamics using qualitative or mixed methods. Risk of bias was assessed through qualitative appraisal of objectives, methodological coherence, and symbolic interpretation. From 3,115 initial records, 21 studies met inclusion criteria and underwent thematic synthesis via Parsifal platform. Public sculptures function as dynamic social artifacts that shape identities, mediate intergroup relations, and activate collective memory, becoming focal points of civic appropriation, resignification, and public controversy rather than passive commemorative objects. Despite geographical concentration in certain regions, methodological heterogeneity, and underrepresentation of rural contexts, this review establishes public sculptures as pivotal agents in urban identity construction and memory contestation. The reviewed literature highlights the capacity of public sculptures to construct, challenge, and transform collective narratives, pointing toward the need for inclusive and critically engaged heritage policies that acknowledge diverse community perspectives.