New Zealand Wellington’s Giant Hand Sculpture, “Quasi,” Heads Down Under After Five Years of Controversy
After five years of captivating and provoking Wellingtonians, the giant hand sculpture “Quasi” is set to depart the New Zealand city this weekend, The Associated Press reports.
The 16-foot-tall creation by Australian sculptor Ronnie van Hout, featuring an unsmiling human face, has been a constant presence on the roof of the City Gallery since 2019.
Quasi, named in part after Quasimodo from Victor Hugo’s “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” has been a subject of much debate since its arrival in Wellington. While some embraced its quirky presence, others found it disturbing and unsettling. The sculpture’s outstretched finger was even accused of “inappropriately and belligerently pointing” at passersby.
Despite its critics, many Wellingtonians have come to appreciate Quasi, with some lamenting its departure. City council member Ben McNulty described the sculpture’s removal as a “terrible day” for Wellington, sharing his personal devastation at the news.
Quasi will be lifted from the gallery roof by helicopter on Saturday and transported to an undisclosed location in Australia. Local lore has attributed a curse to any attempt to move the sculpture, sparking both dread and amusement amongst Wellingtonians.
The move has elicited a mixed reaction on social media, with expressions of dismay, glee, and jokes about the alleged curse. The sculpture’s departure marks the end of an era for Wellington, leaving a void that will be felt by many.
