Atlas Obscura · People & society

Bristol Sculpture 'Bear With Me' Returns

A small sculpture in Bristol, England, known as 'Bear With Me,' has been reinstalled after a period of maintenance.

The sculpture, created by anonymous artist Getting Up To Stuff and first installed in September 2020, depicts a person with their head in their hands, comforted by a teddy bear.

Originally placed for World Suicide Prevention Day, it addresses the high rate of male suicide and encourages men to express their emotions.

The artist intended the bear to symbolize childhood comfort and the strength found in vulnerability.

The artwork gained significant public attention, with over 250,000 social media interactions in its first week.

Its disappearance led to speculation, but the artist was undertaking repairs, replacing the framework and original bear, and reinforcing its mounting.

Now back overlooking Jacob's Wells Road, 'Bear With Me' continues to convey its message that it is acceptable to not be alright and that communication can be a crucial first step.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.