For the past five years, a striking figure has been dominating the skyline of Wellington, New Zealand. This enigmatic presence is not a superhero, but rather a hand sculpture named Quasi. Created by Melbourne-based New Zealand artist Ronnie van Hout, Quasi is a blend of steel, polystyrene, and resin, embodying a body horror aesthetic inspired by the artist's own hand and face. The name Quasi is a nod to Victor Hugo's 1831 novel 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,' which explains the masculine identity attributed to the sculpture.

Initially unveiled at an art gallery in Christchurch in 2016, Quasi was a divisive piece that eventually found its way to Wellington in 2019. Perched on two fingers atop the City Gallery, Quasi's days of looming over the city are numbered. Scheduled for removal by the end of this week, the sculpture will be transported to a new, undisclosed location in Australia.

The impending departure of Quasi has stirred mixed reactions among Wellington residents. Ben McNulty, a city council member, commented, 'This is either a great day for Wellington or a terrible day for Wellington and there’s not much view in between.' Mayor Tory Whanau expressed relief, stating, 'I’ll personally be pleased to see it head somewhere else for a change. I think there’s a strong feeling of relief.'

Despite initial widespread disapproval, a pro-Quasi faction has emerged over time. McNulty himself admitted, 'I think that over time there’s been a bit of a softening, there’s sort of a pro-Quasi group, which I consider myself part of.' The removal process will involve lifting Quasi from the roof by helicopter on Saturday.

Ronnie van Hout reflected on the sculpture's journey, saying, 'Everything comes to an end eventually. I am sure it will be missed, but even Lovecraftian nightmares have to return to where they came from, and now you only have an absence to reflect on.' The news has ignited online discussions, with reactions ranging from glee to dismay, and even references to the 'Quasi curse.'

As Quasi prepares to leave, one can't help but draw parallels to the Dark Knight. Perhaps Quasi was the hero Wellington deserved, but not the one it needed right now. So they hunted him. Because he could take it. Because he's not their hero. He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A really big face-hand.

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