What's happened
The controversial sculpture Quasi, created by Ronnie van Hout, will be removed from Wellington's City Gallery after five years. The 16-foot hand has sparked mixed emotions among residents, with some expressing relief and others sadness over its departure, scheduled for Saturday.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Eva Corlett from The Guardian, Quasi has generated significant conversation in Wellington, with Mayor Tory Whanau acknowledging its impact on the city's art scene. In contrast, Ben McNulty from the South China Morning Post expressed personal devastation over its departure, indicating a divide in public sentiment. The Independent echoed these sentiments, noting that while some residents are relieved, others feel a sense of loss, emphasizing the sculpture's role as a staple of Wellington's skyline during challenging times.
How we got here
Quasi was first installed in Christchurch in 2016 before moving to Wellington in 2019. The sculpture has been polarizing, initially met with horror and revulsion but later gaining a following among locals.
More on these topics
-
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region. The Christchurch urban area lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula.
-
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range.