Ants Invade Colombian Congress in Unique Art Display

Hundreds of large black- and brown-colored fiberglass ants covered the facade, columns and windows of the Colombian Congress building in an unusual sculpture by artist Rafael Gomezbarros, who told Efe that the work symbolizes human migration.

With his work depicting an invasion of the ants, which “represent immigration, globalization and displacement, I’m trying to force a reflection on what we experience and see on a daily basis, and also to raise awareness about our monuments,” Gomezbarros said.

A total of 1,300 ants, each measuring 95 centimeters (just over three feet) in length, were mounted on the facade of the legislative headquarters.

Gomezbarros made the figures using a special resin and fiberglass and has dubbed his creation “Casatomada” (House Occupied).

The sculptor explained that the work is not political in nature, since the exhibit “does not go beyond artistic expression, and in a sense is more social than political because it seeks to call attention to monuments.”

The unique work will be mounted at the Congress building through March 26 and then two days later will be installed at the Los Heroes (Heroes) monument, located at a major intersection on the north side of the Colombian capital.

The 37-year-old Gomezbarros, who studied plastic arts in Bogota, said that in June “Casatomada” will be taken out of the country and be exhibited in Argentina, Mexico, Chile, the United States, Canada, Spain and Germany.

The sculptor told Efe that one of his dreams is for his work to “invade” Madrid’s Puerta de Alcala and other monuments in the Spanish capital.

He added, however, that before he can export his creation he will need to find one or more international firms to help him transport the fiberglass insects and display them at monuments in different parts of the world.

Source: Latin American Herald Tribune