Transatlantic Bears

A.P. Rott

Summary

The two sculptures, BEAR.1 and BEAR.2, were created in 2025–2026. The scope of the project included design, fabrication, and installation. The head and paws are made of cast aluminum and were ground and polished according to the artist’s specifications. The rest of the body was created through elaborate handwork involving the manual forming of stainless steel sheets.

Services

Design, Manufacturing, On-Site Installation

Project manager

Christoph Teuber, Andreas Engeln

Client

A.P. Rott

Year

2026

BEAR.2 being built in Friedrichsdorf. Photo: Arnold AG

Life's Questions

For German artist A.P. Rott, the “Transatlantic Bears” are a special art project. These identical sculptures mark his first public appearance. At the same time, they serve as the prelude to his series “Monumental Reflections,” which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

For many years, A.P. Rott has been exploring fundamental questions about life: What is the relationship between humans and nature? What impact do human actions have on freedom and responsibility? He seeks answers to these questions through his interaction with the world around him and translates his thoughts into his artistic works.

Using the Kraftformer, the aluminum sheet is shaped piece by piece into the desired form. Photo: Arnold AG

Precision work by hand: Each sheet metal part is carefully inspected before it is installed on the bear. Photo: Arnold AG

The Styrofoam model clearly shows the individual metal segments that will later be assembled into a single unit. Photo: Arnold AG

The team behind the transatlantic bears: employees, production managers, and project managers together in the workshop where the sculptures were created. Photo: Arnold AG

Close-up of the finished sculpture. Photo: Ron Zander, Arnold AG

Across Distances

The “Transatlantic Bears” symbolize understanding and exchange. As part of a German-Canadian charity initiative, they connect two locations on different continents: one bear stands in a nature park in Canada, the other in Friedrichsdorf. Together, the two large-scale sculptures engage in a symbolic dialogue across the Atlantic.

For A.P. Rott, the project embodies the belief that people of different backgrounds and perspectives should engage in dialogue with one another. Art serves as a bridge—between Germany and Canada, between public space and personal encounters, and between artistic vision and craftsmanship.

Close-up of a paw. Photo: Ron Zander, Arnold AG

Art That Has a Lasting Impact

“Bear.2” is more than just a work of art. The sculpture is available for purchase; a portion of the proceeds will support a German-Canadian charity initiative and promote exchanges between young people in both countries.

In this way, the project brings together several dimensions: artistic expression, international understanding, and social engagement. The bear symbolizes the idea that encounters can begin when people pause, take a closer look, and strike up a conversation with one another.

Link to the charity initiative: aprott.com/charity

View from below and close-ups. Photos: Ron Zander, Arnold AG

Handcrafting a Large Sculpture

The installation required not only technical expertise but, above all, precise craftsmanship. From numerous individual parts, a large-scale sculpture emerged whose appearance constantly changes with light, weather, and the seasons.

It is precisely this mutability that gives the sculpture its special impact. Sun, rain, and changing viewing angles make the surface appear different time and again. During installation, care was therefore taken to ensure that road users would not be blinded.

The base on which Bear.2 stands will also change over time. A.P. Rott deliberately chose Corten steel, a material that develops a characteristic rust-colored patina when exposed to the elements.

Visualization of Bear.1. Rendering: Arnold AG

Footage from the unveiling in the summer of 2026. Video: Ron Zander, Arnold AG

A roundabout becomes a stage for art

On June 25, 2026, “Bear.2” was officially unveiled in the presence of artist A.P. Rott, Mayor Lars Keitel, and Arnold Board Member Boris Bachmeier.

The roundabout at the intersection of Höhenstraße, Kolberger Straße, and Industriestraße has thus become more than just a traffic junction. Today, it serves as a publicly accessible exhibition space and showcases the extraordinary works of art being created in Friedrichsdorf. Together with the city, Arnold plans to present additional works of art produced in-house at this location in the future.