Artist Behind Denver's 'Blue Bear' Creates Massive New Sculpture
Author(s)
Jon Stone
Media Relations Manager
DU Professor creates sculpture that rivals the Statue of Liberty in size
Lawrence Argent watches as crews assemble his new sculpture in San Francisco, California. Courtesy: sfgate.com
It’s one of the most recognizable sights in all of downtown Denver. Everyone has seen the giant blue bear peeking into the Colorado Convention Center. Since 2005, The 40-foot-high bear has become a can’t-miss photo op for tourists and locals. While commonly known as the “blue bear,” the art project is actually titled “I See What You Mean.” The man behind it is Lawrence Argent, a professor in DU’s School of Art and Art History.
Since the blue bear’s debut in downtown Denver, Argent’s public art projects have only become larger in size. There’s “Leap” inside the baggage claim area in the Sacramento Airport. It’s a giant 56-foot red rabbit that signifies the feelings and emotions travelers feel when going through an airport’s baggage claim area. Who doesn’t love a cute panda? “I Am Here” is on display outside the International Financial Square in China. The giant panda is about 45 feet high and weighs 13 tons.
