Ready Bär
Ready Bär
The Ready Bär (also stylized as Ready Bear or Readybär) is a whimsical fictional character created by German contemporary artist ZoooooZ (Roland Dirk Zulehner) and illustrated primarily by South African-born artist Mumzy Maria Uberstein. The character, depicted as a vibrant red bear full of energy, curiosity, and a passion for life's simple joys—especially coffee—serves as a recurring symbol in their collaborative works. The Ready Bär embodies themes of vitality, adventure, friendship, and childlike wonder, often placed in everyday urban settings to blend fantasy with local culture.[1][2]
Origin and Story
The Ready Bär's most prominent narrative was specifically crafted for the town of Giengen an der Brenz in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and centered around the vegan café Café Cut. In the story, the Ready Bär awakens one morning with an overwhelming craving for coffee, having run out of his supply. Unable to start the day without it, he ventures through the streets of Giengen, his bright red fur glowing in the morning sun. Drawn by the enticing aroma, he arrives at Café Cut, where he enthusiastically requests a large sack of the finest beans. The barista happily obliges, filling his bag and sparking a moment of pure delight for the bear.[2] This heartwarming tale was developed as part of an exhibition at Café Cut, transforming the cozy, playful vegan café into an immersive artistic space. The story highlights themes of everyday magic, community, and sensory pleasure, with the Ready Bär acting as a joyful ambassador who connects art, storytelling, and local life.[1]
Artistic Integration and Exhibition
During the exhibition at Café Cut (which included a Finissage event), the Ready Bär was brought to life through illustrations, drawings, and a physical installation by Mumzy Maria Uberstein. The installation featured the Ready Bär alongside other gentle, fantastical creatures such as a soft tiger, a donkey, a little pig, and a funky lion—creating a whimsical menagerie that complemented the café's interior of comfortable corners and vibrant charm.[3] The character also appears in related artworks and merchandise, such as depictions of the Ready Bär running dynamically through Giengen's pedestrian zones with a coffee sack, emphasizing movement, fun, and local ties.[4] Videos and posts document the bear "visiting" Café Cut and engaging in playful activities, further extending the story into digital and performative realms.[5]
Legacy
Though tied to a specific pop-up exhibition and local venue, the Ready Bär has become an iconic element in the collaborative oeuvre of ZoooooZ and Mumzy Maria Uberstein. Representing boundless life force, color explosion, and the enchanting intersection of art and daily routines, the character continues to appear in their projects, symbolizing joy and creativity in the Heidenheim-Giengen region.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Der Ready Bär und Café Cut". ArtPal. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Ready Bär erwachte eines Morgens..." Instagram (roland_zulehner). 2025-04-20. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
- ↑ "Ausstellung Café Cut, Installation von Mumzy Maria Uberstein Atelier ZoooooZ". Wikimedia Commons. 2025-02-01. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
- ↑ "Running Ready Bear 2021 plus 3 Mumzy Maria Uberstein". Amazon. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
- ↑ "zu Besuch im Café Cut in Giengen". YouTube (Roland Zulehner). Retrieved 2026-01-16.
- ↑ "ZoooooZ Roland Zulehner - Offizielle Homepage". Retrieved 2026-01-16.
