Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Disturbing' giant hand statue unsettles citizens of New Zealand

'Monstrous' artwork appeared in Wellington's city centre on Monday

Jacob Stolworthy
Monday 19 August 2019 15:54 BST
Comments
Artwork is currently overlooking Civic Square in Wellington
Artwork is currently overlooking Civic Square in Wellington (TV New Zealand)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Citizens of New Zealand are being unsettled by a huge hand that’s been installed in the centre of Wellington.

The artwork, which is named “Quasi” and has a face etched onto it, is based on scans of body parts belonging to artist Ronnie van Hout.

City Gallery Wellington wrote on its website: ”It’s as if ‘the hand of the artist’ has developed a monstrous life of its own.”

The artwork is currently overlooking the city’s Civic Square.

Its arrival caused quite a splash with civilians. “Does anyone know what the heck this is?” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another wrote: “That is the ugliest and most disturbing piece of “art” I have ever seen in my life.”

Van Hout created the statue in 2016. It was designed for the Christchurch Art Gallery following an earthquake that rocked the capital city in 2011, but has now been moved to Wellington.

It’ll remain in Civic Square for the next three years.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in