Walking around the centre of Edinburgh or Glasgow you may have spotted some curious artworks popping up all around the city. From satirical graffiti to hilarious politically-charged installations, The Pink Bear rebel has been entertaining the Scottish public with art pieces that are not only ingenious and creative but also offer interesting observations on modern life aimed at encouraging engagement and debate. But who is this mysterious pink bear who haunts our streets creating rebellious art? We managed to track down Pink Bear Rebel to find out more…
Your real identity is somewhat of a secret but can you tell us a bit about how and when you first got into street art?
The bear was sent here as a messenger to remind you humans of the absurdity of your life and comment on the spectacle you have created for yourselves.
We imagine it must be quite hot in the pink bear costume! Why the alias Pink Bear Rebel?
Costume? What costume? A bizarre a character as possible to mirror the more bizarre aspects of your society.
The government and local councils often take quite a heavy-handed approach to installation street art and graffiti. How do you feel about this? Do you feel attitudes to spontaneous street art are changing?
The government and local councils should be more concerned about the ever-growing outdoor advertising across our cities. Trains, buses, bus stops, billboards, on and inside taxis, and even public toilets – are all used by companies to promote feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction for the sake of dollar. By contrast, the bear’s primary motivation is only to produce critical thought and hopefully a smile.
You create artworks predominantly around Glasgow and Edinburgh. What other city in the world you would love to visit and create some pieces for and why?
Hopefully one-day the bear can travel far and wide to promote his message, however, the passport authorities seem to be being extremely persnickety with his application.
You use a variation of techniques and often choose quite political subject matters. Where do you look for inspiration?
The society that you have created for yourselves is of constant bewilderment and amusement to the bear. Unbridled capitalism, obsession with fame and fortune, the politicians that represent you and a complete reluctance to accept the pointlessness of your own lives. The bear does not have to look far for inspiration.
Due to the often-satirical nature of your work and your methods, there will be inevitable comparisons so other street artists like Banksy, Tavar Zawacki, and SpY. Are you inspired by these artists? How do you feel about these comparisons?
The bear wishes them all well, but he is on his own path.
The nature of your art means it can often disappear fast! Where will people in Edinburgh next be able to see your artwork in the city?
I can’t give away the locations before, or the men in high visibility jackets who love rules could well be waiting to capture him. But the pictures are always posted straight after, so if your fast then you will be able to see it.
Finally, what can we expect next from the Pink Bear Rebel? Are there any special collaborations in the mix? Any future projects we should be getting excited about?
Global domination is on the near horizon. Bear with me.
Discover more from The Pink Bear rebel here.
