The exhibition of the United Buddy Bears in the Tierpark Berlin is finally complete: On 8th September 2020, the bear for the country of Rwanda was unveiled. In the presence of Zoo Director Dr. Andreas Knieriem, Mr. and Mrs. Herlitz and of course the artist himself, who created the sculpture under the pseudonym NUKWAMI, the bear was added to the exhibition "The Art of Tolerance". 146 Buddy Bears stand "hand in hand" now on the Schlossallee, each one representing a country of the United Nations, its people and culture.
The design casts an artistic light on contemporary Rwanda, 26 years after the genocide of the Tutsi in April 1994. The central design element is the Tree of Life, which draws its strength from its roots and ancestors - just as the country relied on its traditions and culture combined with modernity and innovation in its reconstruction.
The guests present at the ceremonial unveiling, including other artists of the exhibition, were able to learn from NUKWAMI himself further interesting and vivid background information on motifs and colors. A detailed interpretation will soon be available in the United Buddy Bears Show.
For more pictures please refer to the exhibition-page.