A giant pink teddy bear mural has been painted in Shoreditch to spark discussion around mental health issues.

This latest work by London-based artist LUAP, also known as Paul Robinson, is entitled Hope, and can be found in Bateman’s Row.

The painting stands at a staggering 12m by 6m and shows The Pink Bear slumped on a staircase with a bunch of flowers, set against a cool blue backdrop.

While the artwork is named Hope, The Pink Bear appears sad and heartbroken.

Hackney Gazette: LUAP, aka Paul Robinson, uses The Pink Bear throughout his work to capture the human experienceLUAP, aka Paul Robinson, uses The Pink Bear throughout his work to capture the human experience (Image: Outside The Zone)

The disparity between the title and the melancholy of the mural encourages conversation about the nature of hope and despair.

Paul said: "In the abyss of despair, hope morphs into a hollow, hopeless notion.

"When all hope is extinguished, the very concept of hope becomes unbearable."

However, he added: "Hope is a glimmer of possibility in the darkest of times that glows inside."

The piece carries these undertones of optimism through the presence of the flowers.

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Body language is a key aspect of LUAP's work.

The Pink Bear, intentionally expressionless, acts as a mirror, reflecting the viewer's feelings.

The artist said: "I opted against giving the pink bear a fixed facial expression to avoid imposing a specific mood onto the images.

"Instead, I aimed for the bear to serve as a mirror, reflecting the personal emotions of the viewer and allowing them to connect with the work on a deeper level."

Hackney Gazette: This mural explores the meaning of hope, and was completed in just three daysThis mural explores the meaning of hope, and was completed in just three days (Image: LUAP)

LUAP completed the mural in three days, much shorter than his usual pace in the studio where projects can take months.

The artist said: "I wanted this mural to resonate more closely with my studio techniques but over a shorter time frame.

"Previous murals I've painted felt disconnected from my oil paintings, lacking depth and layers.

"So I sought to infuse this piece with greater dimension.

"By using methods closer to those on my canvas, I thinned the paint and let it cascade down the wall, mirroring the washes I use on my canvas.

"Layering and building depth, I worked to achieve a cohesive integration."

LUAP is a multidisciplinary artist, originally from Grimsby, whose work spans oil paintings, sculptures, performances and photography,

The Pink Bear is central to his work and helps to highlight mental health issues.