Controversial Sculpture 'Quasi' to be Relocated After Five Years in Wellington


In Wellington, New Zealand, a striking sculpture of a giant hand has watched over the cityscape for the past five years, sparking a mix of fascination and debate. 
The artwork, named Quasi, is a 16-foot (nearly 5-meter) creation by Australian sculptor Ronnie van Hout, designed to capture attention and stir conversation. Set atop the roof of the City Gallery, Quasi is a surreal piece: a hand with an unsmiling human face emerging from its palm, both eerie and thought-provoking.

The piece, which has loomed over Wellington since its installation, became an unusual and provocative fixture in the city’s cultural landscape. For some, the sculpture’s stoic expression and unconventional form evoked emotions ranging from horror and revulsion to curiosity and amusement. The gallery's decision to display such a controversial work reflects a bold approach to public art, often sparking lively debate among residents and visitors alike.

Despite its divisive reception, Quasi has undeniably left an impact on the city. Many Wellingtonians have grown accustomed to the hand’s watchful gaze, while others remained uneasy with its presence. This week, after a five-year tenure that transformed it into a local icon of sorts, the City Gallery announced Quasi's upcoming relocation. The exact details of its new home have not been disclosed, though the gallery expressed appreciation for the conversations and reflections the sculpture has inspired over the years.

The move signals the end of an era for Wellington’s art scene, which will now look to new installations to fill the void left by Quasi. While it may leave some relieved and others nostalgic, the sculpture’s legacy will linger in Wellington’s memory, as one of the city’s boldest statements in public art.

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