Ants Are Everywhere

The number of ant individuals on planet Earth at any moment is around a quadrillion (1,000,000,000,000,000).   Although small, ants attract our attention because they often move and forage in plain sight.   Depictions of ants in works of art are not uncommon.  Ants in art are often used as metaphor.

In Bogata, Columbia, artist Rafael Gomezbarros has mounted 1300 fiberglass ants, just under 1 meter long,  on the facade of the Congress building.  What is the meaning of this? Mr Gomezbarros explains that the work is not political. The intent is not to compare politicians to insects. Gomezbarros is using ants as a metaphor for human displacement and migration. At the end of this month, the Ant Art will “Migrate” to the Los Heroes in Bogota. From there the exhibit will “Immigrate” to other countries. Argentina, Mexico, Chile, the United States, Canada, Spain and Germany are on the list.

I certainly hope to see this exhibit when it reaches our shores.

Ant Sculpture of Rafael Gomezbarros on the walls of the Congress Building in Bogota, Columbia

Photo: http://www.bogotabiketours.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ants-congress.jpg