Currently standing tall in the Railyard Park in Santa Fe is the Longview Polar Bear.  Made of steel and recycled sheet metal by artist Don Kennell, it is one of those art pieces that, from afar, makes a huge statement.  You know it is a polar bear.  Close-up it gives the onlooker a very clear idea of the vision needed to put it together.  Although incongruous in a New Mexico park, the polar bear was even more so at Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.  It makes us realize that this animal and symbol of climate change may soon be out of time and out of territory.  Now, of repurposed metal, it is there for us to see, ponder, and witness.

Longview bear full shot

Here is a shot of layer upon layer of metal that forms the bear's back

Longview bear back detail

The polar bear was built using old car hoods, as well as other vehicle elements which can be seen up close.  There are vents and scoops and at least five car logo buttons or badges.  The most prominent are Saab, BMW, and Chevrolet. There are two others that Fred and I were unable to identify, despite spending an inordinate amount of time searching online.  If you look closely at the left edge of the bear's mouth, you will see a Chevy logo. 

Longview bear close up with Chevy logo

What looks like a button in the upper middle of the bear's chest is a BMW insignia.  On its left lower hip is another button.  Little clues as to the vehicles that were repurposed.

Longview Bear upright front  

Kennell made its paws appropriately large and serious.

Longview Bear paws

Artist Don Kennell, Project Manager Lisa Adler, fabrication crew Zach Greer, Caleb Smith, and Miguel Lucio, the Railyard Park Conservancy's Railyard Art Project, and the Santa Fe Institute brought the polar bear to life and Santa Fe before it travels on to other locations.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@