After its stay in Germany which will be for another three months, the Seychelles bear designed and painted by local artist Nigel Henri, in Germany, will be coming "home."
The bear, which had been made in synthetic material and in colours and figures representing features of Seychelles, is now being displayed in an exhibition in the centre of Berlin where, according to Mr Henri, it has received much appreciation and publicity for our country.
The exhibition entitled "The United Buddy-bears", has altogether 184 bears painted by different artists representing different countries. It represents peace around the world, explores and displays aspects of each country. "Our bear", as painted and told by Mr Henri, explores the flora and fauna of Seychelles which is one of our most important feature. More importantly so, is that the centre piece of the bear is of the much appreciated "coco-de-mer" which according to Mr Henri had attracted the onlookers and created awareness of the existence of our small country.
The project itself, was initially aimed at showing the countries with which Germany had ties, but had broadened to become a representation of peace around the world to enhance the need for peace especially at this crucial time of world conflicts which threaten this peace. Thus the participation of Seychelles is more than just a publicity , but in itself an engagement to the cause for peace.
Despite the fact that in Seychelles we do not have bears, the idea has indeed opened doors not only for Mr Henri but also for our country as a whole, because this bear has been able to sell Seychelles as people stop to admire the exceptional work of the artist.
"They were all intrigued by my work because unlike most artists who had used only one colour I had fully "played" with colours which I felt best described my country," Mr Henri said.
Whilst in Berlin, the local artist was also able to gain contact with different people and also received an invitation to return to Germany for a workshop to be held at the end of this month . Mr Henri also noted that other artists need to come forward and not sit and wait for opportunities to come to them.
"Artists in Seychelles like to complain that they do not get any opportunities, what they fail to understand is that sometimes you have to be the one to look for the opportunity, you can't always expect to be spoon-fed," he said.
After the exhibition, which will last for another three months, the bear will be coming to Seychelles where it will take its permanent residence. The exact location remains yet to be discussed, but the fact remains that the bear will definitely be "coming home".
In the meantime Mr Henri wishes to thank Mr Selby Pillay and his sponsor Mr Peter Maeschig, for making it all possible.
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