Wellington says goodbye to Giant Hand Sculpture

November 5, 2024

Share to Google Classroom

In Wellington, New Zealand, a large and unusual sculpture known as Quasi is being taken down from atop the City Gallery after five years.

This 16.4-foot-tall sculpture, created by artist Ronnie van Hout, features a giant hand with a human face based on van Hout’s own features. Since its arrival in 2019, Quasi has stirred mixed reactions, with many people on social media describing it as “disturbing.”

Jane Black, Chair of the Wellington Sculpture Trust, acknowledged that while the sculpture may have shocked some, it became a unique symbol of the city’s creativity. In a City Council release, she described how Quasi arrived dramatically by helicopter and added a distinct touch to the skyline, even earning recognition from Time magazine for reflecting Wellington’s “quirkiness.”

The sculpture will be taken down on Saturday and is set to be shipped to Australia, though its new location has yet to be announced.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research and writing.

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

A strong storm passed through Dunedin overnight, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds. By morning, council crews were clearing fallen branches from several streets. The local news report stated that the storm caused delays to buses and made walking conditions slippery. In an interview, a resident said the storm was “the worst weather we have had all year”. The MetService warned drivers to take extra care because of surface flooding on low-lying roads. Schools remained open, but some sports practices were cancelled.

Which statement from the passage is an opinion rather than a fact?

The storm brought heavy rain and gusty winds. Council crews were clearing fallen branches. The storm was the worst weather we have had all year. Some sports practices were cancelled.