The Co-op Bear, It’s Complicated

Gesso and acrylic on 300lb cotton paper. 

56cm X 76cm

A few years ago there was a taxidermy polar bear above the entrance to the Co-operative store in Longyearbyen.

It was an impressive exhibit, but it also drew attention to the fact that occasionally polar bears and humans come into contact with each other.    If the bear is posing an immediate threat to life, then it is likely to be shot.   There are very strict laws on Svalbard to protect polar bears and there are procedures to follow if a bear is close.  If a bear is shot then there will be a police investigation.   This bear was in an heroic pose, made poignant by the glimpse of mountain through the window and the proximity of the fire sprinkler.

This is a view of a polar bear I would never want to see for real and while I can celebrate the bear’s magnificence, I am saddened it did not get to die a natural death.

All my paintings are available as a limited edition Giclee print, LP Contact or at  www.madeinross.co.uk