Well, who would have thought that Central Park Antigua would have been turned into a multi-coloured bear sanctuary. Well, that’s just what’s happened. Until the 12th of May, 148 of this two-metre-high fibreglass uniquely hand paintedBuddy Bears have transformed the park like nothing before!
Berliners, Klaus and Eva Herlitz are behind the Buddy Bear project, along with sculptor Roman Strobl. The bear is the symbol of Berlin, and even today there are living “city bears” in the middle of Berlin, in Köllnischen Park. Conceived in 2001 as the Buddy Bear Berlin show, 350 of these unique bears were to be found throughout the city.
The Buddy Bears as they are named “stand together hand in hand” symbolising the future of a peaceful world. Each bear stands for the people of different countries and their culture, yet not for political systems.
From there, The Buddy Bears world tour has now visited more than 25 countries in 5 continents. In each country that the tour visits, a local artist paints their bear to represent the colours, images, history and culture of their country. Mayra Fernández de Schäfer was chosen to represent Guatemala.
Truthfully, I was a little surprised that a bear would be chosen to represent a peaceful world. I can’t help thinking of grizzly bears or even the Russian bear!!!! But then I guess 148 two metre white doves would really scare away the pigeons from Central Park!!!!
