WATCH: Internationally renowned artist gives Christchurch a hand

Christchurch-born and internationally renowned artist Ronnie van Hout has had a huge hand in Christchurch Art Gallery's latest outdoor installation.

Quasi, a five-metre-tall sculpture of the artist's hand and facial features, has been unveiled today on the Gallery's rooftop, next to Gloucester St.

Van Hout’s highly visible work is a continuation of the Gallery's Outer Spaces programme, which has been running since 2009.

Director Jenny Harper said Quasi was a larger-than-life work that would make people laugh, think and discuss.

“If there’s one thing that has defined post-quake Christchurch, it’s our creativity, and Quasi is a wonderfully bold continuation of that,” she said.

“When the Gallery was closed for earthquake repairs, our Outer Spaces projects brought art out into the central city, taking over walls, temporary hoardings and vacant lots. We also installed another of Ronnie’s rooftop works, Comin’ Down, above C1 Espresso on High St.

“Now that we are open again, Outer Spaces is back home, exploring new sites in and around the Gallery.

Artist Ronnie van Hout puts the finishing touches on his sculpture.

“Quasi’s arrival means the Gallery is now completely surrounded by art, facing outward to greet the city from all directions. It signals the energy and activity going on around us, and it’s up there for everyone to enjoy,” she added.

Christchurch Art Gallery commissioned van Hout to create Quasi specifically for temporary installation on its rooftop. The towering work comprises a central steel structure covered with polystyrene and painted resin.

The Gallery owns nine works by van Hout, including two smaller-scale sculptures.