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Nature-Cast Aluminum Sculpture of a Fire Ant Colony — Abstract Organic Form
$3,680
£2,810.44
€3,219.20
CA$5,249.74
A$5,721.75
CHF 2,979.63
MX$69,037.15
NOK 37,455.15
SEK 35,161.68
DKK 24,043.37
About the Item
A remarkable fusion of art and natural science, this aluminum sculpture captures the hidden architecture of a red fire ant colony in striking metallic permanence. Both organic and abstract, the piece transforms an unseen natural phenomenon into a modern work of sculptural art.
Art Form and Process
Created through a rare and meticulous process, molten aluminum is poured directly into the subterranean network of an existing ant colony. The metal flows through every tunnel, chamber, and passageway before solidifying — preserving, in exquisite detail, the intricate spatial geometry built by the ants themselves. Once cooled, the cast is carefully excavated and refined, revealing an astonishingly complex, coral-like form.
This transformation from earth to metal embodies process art at its purest — an interplay between human intervention and the organic intelligence of nature.
Material and Structure
Cast entirely in solid aluminum, the sculpture presents a luminous silver surface with a highly tactile texture. Its branching, lattice-like structure expands upward from a solid base, tapering into a dynamic peak. The intricate network of tunnels and cavities evokes natural phenomena such as coral, root systems, or crystalline formations — a dialogue between the natural and the industrial.
Origin and Significance
The cast derives from a red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) colony, a species native to South Africa. This unique origin infuses the work with a layer of biological and ecological narrative, transforming it from a mere object into a meditation on structure, labor, and the unseen beauty of natural architecture.
Aesthetic and Display
Sculptural and luminous, this piece functions as both artwork and statement object. Its reflective surface and organic form make it ideal for display in modern, industrial, or nature-inspired interiors. Whether showcased on a pedestal, console, or as a centerpiece, it invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of nature’s design and human artistry.
- Dimensions:Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:Aluminum,Cast
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2020s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:North Palm Beach, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7517247041752
About the Seller
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