This Polar Bear is Pissing on Groningen
This Polar Bear is Pissing on Groningen
Who is this pissing polar bear and why should you care?
On Friday, the "Pissing Polar Bear" (Pissende IJsbeer) statue was unveiled in Groningen.
The, let’s just say unique statue, is part of an exhibition advocating for a brighter future through artistic expression.
Created by renowned Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, known globally for his expansive public installations like giant floating rubber ducks, the displeased bear was previously in Amersfoort as part of the Museum Flehite exhibit.
What’s going on?
Positioned near the Groninger Museum, facing the central station, the statue features, (there’s no other way to say it) a large white polar bear urinating into the canal.
But why, you might wonder, is this statue doing “his business” in public?
Hoffman wants the statue to draw attention to climate change. “This polar bear has chosen to show he is pissed off by peeing loudly into a canal. He is being a bastard, just like us in the way we treat nature.”
It's an unusual, and yet unforgettable call to action.
Museum Flehite's director, Paul Baltus, explained the symbolic gesture: "This polar bear has opted to express his dissatisfaction, evident in his loud urination into our canal. It mirrors the sometimes negligent treatment of nature."
Few have expressed concerns on whether this pissing polar bear would set a bad example for the Groningen students, who walk the streets drunk and ‘relieve’ themselves in the canals.
The statue now serves as a focal point in Groningen, contributing to the Children's Biennale exhibition. Through various art installations and activities, the exhibit aims to prompt contemplation among both children and adults about issues crucial for creating a better world.