Nestled in the sands of Brava Beach is an intriguing marvel of modern art: The Hand of Punta del Este. Created in 1982 by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, this colossal sculpture features five fingers emerging from the beach, seemingly reaching out from the depths below. A result of the “First International Meeting of Modern Sculpture in the Open Air” event, it has become an iconic symbol of the Uruguayan resort city. Irarrázabal intended the work as a warning of the dangers of the sea, but its striking form has certainly captured the imagination of millions worldwide.