CNN iReport

I'm writing this article in response to a question posted by a reader, and a good question it was.  La Grand Bebe is a three story tall art installation by Jonathan Haner of Sibbhult, Sweden - formerly of Grand Rapids, MI.  Grand Rapids is not only Jonathan's home town, it is also home to some painful memories from his past.  Memories that are forever burned into his being.  As Jonathan puts it they are the "elephant in the room."  You cannot see them but they are always there.  A few years ago, Jonathan put his memories on paper with words and pictures and shared this book with the people he loves so they could get some insight into his past and so that he could heal.  He states that the wounds have scarred over but the memories remain and La Grand Bebe is a way to further heal.  There is a reason that La Grand Bebe is colorless and expressionless, memories are invisible but they exist and they impact and shape us.

As a long time friend of the artist I can safely say he has not allowed his inner Bebe to destroy him.  He acknowledges it, accepts that it is there, and carries on with his life.  As those closest to him know he is kind, generous, honest, and easy to love.  A mutual friend and I were recently discussing his honesty and laughed at the fact that he can get away with saying things that most us can't get away with but it just makes him easier to love and appreciate.  We all have our own baggage walking around with us wherever we go.  Artprize has allowed Jonathan the opportunity to let his "La Grande Bebe" watch over us.

"La Grande Bebe" is a gift to observers, an opportunity to accept, acknowledge, and let their own painful memories go on as just that.  I would like to thank Jonathan for sharing something so raw and personal with the public and encourage anyone who has the opportunity ,to pay La Grande Babe a visit.  You can't appreciate the true enormity of it until you see it up close.

At the moment the team of Lilliputians are filling the head.  When complete I will post photos and an update.

You may cast a vote for the artist by following the steps provided at the Artprize website...

www.artprize.org/artist/id/185 and view other projects of Jonathan Haner's at www.jonathanhaner.com

Photo provided by Teresa Holmberg www.teresaholmberg.com