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Islamabad has Faisal Mosque and Margalla Hills among its top historical attractions and go-to spots. However, the city recently bore witness to a unique monument that caused a stir on social media.
The sculpture saw two golden hands holding spheres. It was installed at the D-Chowk roundabout at Margalla Hills, supposedly to enhance the roadside experience of frequent travellers in the region.
However, the Golden Hand monument quickly became the subject of extensive ridicule and mockery online, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) promptly ordered the sculpture’s removal.
Everyone Had Wild Guesses About the Symbolization of the Golden Hand Monument
Almost all historical landmarks in Pakistan have a background story and are meant to commemorate certain events. For example, Minar-e-Pakistan immortalises the Lahore Resolution passed in 1940, and its beauty is meant to inspire awe.
The Golden Hand monument was, however, an ambiguous symbol. Some interpreted the sculpture as a depiction of Pakistan’s power and might. The sight of the world in the nation’s palm suggested the state’s growth on a global scale.
Others found it suggestive, outlandish, and unintentionally provocative. Thus, many felt it was inappropriate to build such monuments for sightseeing. No one understood the meaning behind the sculpture, and local authorities did little to clear the confusion.
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The CDA discovered that no official approval was taken for the monument’s design, and hence, directions were issued to remove the ambiguous sculpture from D-Chowk.
Although institutional action was the final nail in the coffin, the public outcry against the Golden Hand Monument may have prompted local authorities to take swift action.
Thoughtful Public Art Should Resonate with The Community
The Golden Hands sculpture in Islamabad was intended as a striking new landmark, but quickly became a symbol of poor planning and public backlash. Without clear symbolism or official approval from the CDA, and after online ridicule, it was destined for destruction.
The episode highlights the importance of thoughtful public art that resonates with the community and the risks when aesthetics, context, and process are ignored.
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