Tallinn Bearty is the smartest bear run in the world!
Says Mike Wyeld, one half of the LOVED gallery project. We have interviewed him and several other guests who have contributed to the success of TB. More interviews revealed in coming weeks. Read full interview with Mike below.
TB: what is #bearculture?
MW: For me Bear Culture is the culture of looking differently; to think about different body shape and size, and to celebrate those sizes and ages, to think about what masculinity means, and to redraft it.
TB: LOVED inception, tell us briefly?
Loved began when Charlie and Mike were speaking about the idea of representing Bear Culture in a new way, not just to show the awesome outward signs, but to discuss the inner workings. Who is standing next to you at the club? How do they deal with life? How come they are sooooo happy/sad/in need of a hug. The first conversation was at the Bear Bowling event in London.
TB: what did you think when you got TB’s invitation for a show in Tallinn?
TB is one of the most exciting events in the now-global Bear calendar. It's smart and sexy. It opens up the discussion of art and even design. Who are we? A great man once said the unexamined life isn't worth living, and TB is both party and salon. TB poses questions. Who are we? Are we in love? So we were totally excited about the idea of participating in the smartest Bear run in the world.
TB: describe your most extraordinary or unexpected experience about TB?
For me it was the diversity of people who came to the space TB was using for our show. Families with children, straight dads, art lovers. People came to look, and they listened and talked to us. Engaging with an audience is the best part of this for me.
TB: what impact did TB have on future of LOVED, where do you stand today?
Without a doubt the support of TB was key in our upcoming projects. The first reaction was that the show was booked into more galleries and events, and we now have shows coming up in Toronto, Liverpool and others in the pipeline. Immediately after our amazing time at TB, we participated with TB's help in the Pride celebrations in Helsinki through the gallery Creat Space, who are an amazing group of people. In short, TB was essential to our ability to carrying on working as artists.
Tallinn Bearty (TB) has set its course on bringing fresh breeze every time we organize or promote something. Every year sees us put focus on one top arts category: visual arts, music or cinematography. Our aim is to power bear brotherhood in a way that will advance equal rights for everyone, in or out of our own community.