**BREAKING: Auckland Residents Rejoice as “Most Annoying Public Art” is Finally Removed**
Auckland, New Zealand – In a move that has sent shockwaves of joy throughout the city, the infamous “Hand of Despair” sculpture has been permanently relocated to a remote desert island, bringing an end to its reign of terror.
The 3-meter-tall bronze hand, which was installed in Auckland’s city center in 2018, had become a source of frustration for locals and tourists alike. Its eerie presence, coupled with its unsettling stare, had been described as “disturbing,” “unsettling,” and “the reason I couldn’t sleep at night.”
“I used to walk past it every day on my way to work, and it would just… stare at me,” said local resident Jane Smith. “I started to think it was judging me, and I didn’t like it one bit. I’m so relieved it’s gone.”
The sculpture, created by a local artist, was intended to be a thought-provoking piece that sparked conversations about the human condition. However, its execution fell short, and it quickly became a laughingstock among Aucklanders.
“I mean, who thought it was a good idea to put a giant hand in the middle of the city?” asked Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff. “It was like someone took all the worst parts of a Renaissance art book and mashed them together into a… thing. We’re just glad it’s gone.”
The city council, under immense pressure from residents, finally decided to relocate the sculpture to a remote desert island, where it will serve as a “warning to any would-be art enthusiasts.”
The island, located off the coast of New Zealand, is said to be uninhabited, except for a small population of confused seagulls.
In a bizarre twist, the sculpture’s departure has sparked a black market for Hand-themed merchandise, with T-shirts, mugs, and keychains emblazoned with the phrase “I survived the Hand of Despair.”
As for the artist behind the sculpture, he has gone into hiding, fearing for his safety.
The city of Auckland can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the Hand of Despair is no longer a part of their daily lives.
**UPDATE:** The city council has announced plans to replace the sculpture with a new, less disturbing piece of art: a giant, shiny kiwi statue.
