A curation by Flavio Scaloni, Gallery Manager at Galerie Lo Scalo - The bear is an ancient and complex symbol, inspiring artists through its dual nature as both a creature of formidable strength and unexpected tenderness. It is typically associated with courage, protection, wisdom, and introspection, drawing on its hibernation cycle to symbolize the primal urge for retreat and rebirth. Psychologically, the bear often represents the wild, untamed aspect of the subconscious mind. Throughout art history, the bear has been captured realistically and mythically. In the early 20th century, the sculptor François Pompon elevated the animal form with his smooth, simplified bronze Ours blanc (The Polar Bear, c. 1922), focusing purely on form and movement. Post-1950, artists have engaged the bear motif conceptually. Jeff Koons is famously associated with the theme; his towering, reflective sculpture Bear and Play-Doh (1994–2014) merges childhood innocence with monumental Pop art. The world-famous photographer Annie Leibovitz has photographed bears as part of her environmental and portrait work, capturing their majestic, vulnerable presence in the wild. This collection explores the enduring power and psychological depth of the bear motif across various media.