Bears have departed.

Bernardo San Rafael, a performer from Costa Rica, is making waves in the art world with his thought-provoking and unique performance, "Teddy." The four-hour, wordless, and music-free walk in Cologne, Germany, is a powerful commentary on the unfair distribution of wealth and the unwillingness to share in the world.

San Rafael, who has worked as a dancer at the Rheinoper, Theater Dortmund, and Opera Bonn, chose to perform in public spaces to reach people who wouldn't normally go to the theater. His performance tour includes over 160 teddy bears, each representing a place of longing.

The performance route includes the Derendorf Triangle, Tonhalle, City Hall Square, Rheinknie Bridge, and ends at Graf-Adolf-Platz. The "Teddymann" character, created by San Rafael, interacts with the environment in a unique way, adding an intriguing element to the performance.

The underlying theme of "Teddy" is migration from Central America to the USA. San Rafael was shocked upon reading a report about thousands of children leaving their home countries alone due to lack of prospects. As a migrant himself, this issue resonated deeply with him.

The performance has been performed in various international cities, including India and Switzerland, and will extend beyond Düsseldorf, with performances planned in Greece, Rio de Janeiro, San José, El Salvador, and Honduras.

However, the performance has raised some questions. A major tabloid consulted a psychologist about San Rafael's actions, but the expert couldn't rule out a behavioral disorder in the artist. It is important to note that San Rafael's performance does not have a confirmed diagnosis of a behavioral disorder.

San Rafael intends to temporarily change the city with his performance, making it less controllable. This intention, coupled with the unusual nature of the performance, has sparked debate among critics and spectators alike.

Despite the controversy, San Rafael's performance is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by children fleeing drugs and violence, believing that the USA offers abundance. Through his art, San Rafael is shedding light on a pressing global issue, provoking thought and conversation.