A controversial sculpture featuring two golden hands grabbing spheres, widely referred to as “balls in hands,” has been swiftly dismantled in Islamabad after it ignited a storm of online criticism. The monument, which was installed at a roundabout in Sector D-12 along Iran Avenue, quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, with many mocking the design as inappropriate and suggestive.
The “balls in hands” sculpture became the center of attention as social media users flooded platforms with memes and sarcastic commentary. Critics of the sculpture slammed its ambiguous design, calling it unsuitable for public display. The backlash was rapid and intense, prompting the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to take immediate action.
In response to the uproar, CDA dispatched heavy machinery to remove the sculpture just hours after it gained widespread attention. One of the structures was completely taken down, while the other was hastily covered with cloth to shield it from further scrutiny.
A CDA spokesperson revealed that the monument had been installed without official approval, as a private company had erected it without going through the required formal approval process. “The design never went through the formal approval process,” the spokesperson explained. “As soon as it was brought to our notice, we took immediate action to remove it.”
The “balls in hands” sculpture’s removal highlights the growing influence of public opinion in shaping decisions related to public art. Despite the controversy, it was a reminder of how quickly a piece of art can shift from being a symbol of creativity to one of widespread mockery.
This incident also sheds light on the importance of proper approval for public installations and the need for sensitivity to community values when creating public art.
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