The Pink Bear pavilion at the cultural fair Altonale

The University of Europe for Applied Sciences collaborates with British artist LUAP

Key Facts About The Pink Bear Pavilion

University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) collaborates with renowned British artist LUAP (Paul Robinson)
The Pink Bear pavilion will be on display from 30 May to 9 June 2024 at the Altonaler Balkon during the altonale cultural fair
The bear’s head serves as a canvas, showcasing the final works by 12 UE graduates and LUAP through projection

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May 7, 2024 - The University of Europe for Applied Sciences is collaborating with British artist LUAP - Paul Robinson - to create a four-metre-tall, walk-in sculpture in the shape of a bear's head. The installation, a first of its kind, pays homepage to the London-based artist’s recurring motif of a pink bear. Visitors stepping into the bear’s head will be enveloped in LUAP's childhood memories, providing a profound immersion into his world. Additionally, they will encounter art from the youthful perspective, showcased through the works displayed within the sculpture.
The Pink Bear Pavilion at the cultural fair altonale in Hamburg

The Pink Bear Pavilion is LUAP’s largest sculpture to date and embodies a fusion of art, design and cutting-edge technology. The installation can be seen from 30 May to 9 June at the Altonaler Balkon, as part of the altonale in Hamburg.

In collaboration with Nagami, CH2O and Exarchitects, a surface composed of 2500kg of recycled plastic was created for LUAP’s pavilion. The construction of the pavilion champions environmental awareness through the use of recycled materials and state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. The inner vault of the pavilion serves as a dynamic canvas, showcasing projects by LUAP and UE students. This presentation not only echoes the ethos of the Pink Bear but also underscores the importance of inclusion and diversity as central themes.

At the heart of LUAP’s Pink Bear creation lie themes that delve into different facets of humanity: mental well-being, environmental awareness and interpersonal relationships. Initially conceived as a sanctuary for LUAP, the bear has evolved into a symbol of comfort for all. Within the head’s confines, visitors are invited to forge connections with each another while immersing themselves in artworks that celebrate diversity, foster bonds, and promote inclusion.

The students’ projects: Inclusion and Diversity

Featured within the Pink Bear Pavilion is the project “Sinnentaumel” by UE alumna Fenja Rebell, which delves into the perception of colours and sensory experiences, and exploring methods to make them accessible to children with visual impairments. Additionally, UE graduate Leslie Vogt presents her project “STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH OUR LIVES,” a multimedia awareness campaign that combines the communicative power of illustration, gaming, and fashion.

Prof. Dr. Jiré Emine Gözen, Vice-President for International Affairs and University Development at UE, comments on the project:

“The absolute necessity of inclusion and accessibility in cultural venues has been increasingly discussed and demanded in recent years and is now fortunately being implemented more and more – blind and visually impaired individuals can gain multisensory access to art through a tactile ground guidance system, tactile models, and inclusive audio guides. Through this joint project with LUAP, we aim to draw more attention to this issue – culture and education should be accessible to everyone and not just a privilege of a few. Therefore, with the help of scholarships awarded as part of this project, we want to open up paths for talents who cannot afford to study.”

Ensuring unrestricted access to art and culture for all people is also important to LUAP, as he himself had to overcome some challenges in his youth to realize his dream:

“The decision to partner with UE is very personal to me. I remember struggling with financial challenges as a dedicated teenager arising from my ambitions as an artist – I received a hardship fund at university. So when I heard that scholarships would be awarded as part of this project with UE, it was clear to me that I am now in a position to help others too. Given the budget cuts in the arts, this partnership becomes even more important as it ensures that talented individuals receive the support they need to realize their dreams,” comments Paul Robinson on his collaboration with UE.

UE will grant 17 ‘LUAP Pink Bear Scholarships’ as a component of this art project. More information will follow soon on here. The bear head installation will be on display for two weeks as part of the altonale Festival. Subsequently, it will be showcased at the UE Berlin campus. Additionally, in September, UE students will also have the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the artist Paul Robinson.

About the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)

UE offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes as well as dual Bachelor’s and MBA programmes and has been institutionally accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities for a maximum period of ten years and system accredited by FIBAA. The university has already received the German Education Award twice. In addition, its practice-oriented dual study programmes have been awarded the STERN seal of approval as “Best Provider of Dual Study Programmes”. The University of Europe for Applied Sciences is part of GUS Germany GmbH (GGG), a dynamic network of higher education institutions with more than 15,000 students at locations in Germany, Europe and beyond. UE currently has around 4,600 students from Germany and abroad.

About LUAP

Paul Robinson (b. Grimsby, UK, 1982), known professionally as LUAP, is a British contemporary artist who now lives and works in London. He works across various mediums, including painting, photography, performance and sculpture. LUAP explores themes related to the human condition and environmental concerns, drawing inspiration from his own experiences. Painting from his own photography, LUAP layers abstraction and hyperrealism to dynamically render his unique perception of the world – this classical practice finds a counterpart in his thirst for adventure, as an artist who embraces uncertainty, immersing himself in extreme environmental settings and pushing the limits of endurance to improve his well-being whilst he captures his striking photographs. Central to LUAP’s practice is “The Pink Bear,” a symbol born from his Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions that encapsulates the spectrum of human encounters and serves as a vessel for connection, exploration and revelation. LUAP has exhibited globally, including in London, New York, Dubai, Hong Kong and Berlin. He has collaborated with prestigious institutions and brands including Christie’s, Nikon, Fortnum & Mason and Marriott International. A Pink Bear print sold for three times listed price at Christie’s auction house on behalf of the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Further information:

https://www.youtube.com/c/uegermany

Press contacts:

Tonka Communications

ue@tonka-pr.com

Jessica Barthel

University of Europe for Applied Sciences

Tel: +49 (0)172 364 0254

E-mail: jessica.barthel@gusgermany.de