“Ick, it’s an ant.” That’s what someone in the year 5000 might say about the Ants Sculpture. Or maybe they’ll wonder who made them. Artist Susan P. Cochran hopes her Ants Sculpture will change people’s perception of bugs.
These aren’t just any ants. The Ants Sculpture are more than just metal figures. They are a statement. They are an invitation to rediscover the world. These ants encourage interaction. Cochran even hopes people will sit, climb, and play on the Ants Sculpture.
The Ants Sculpture might seem like simple artwork. However, they carry a deeper message about communication. Cochran named two of her giant ant sculptures “X” and “O”. This is from how people sign letters. XO means hugs and kisses. The name emphasizes the communication between the ants.
Cochran’s goal is to evoke the viewer’s inner child. She likes bugs. She hopes that people who see these sculptures will come to appreciate them too. The artist began working on bronze sculptures when her eyesight began to fade. She could no longer do beadwork. Cochran admired the resilience of bronze sculptures from ancient Greece. She then decided to begin making them herself.
There were originally 13 ants in Cochran’s colony collection. The colony has gotten smaller. The ants have been sent across the world to be on display. You can find some of her ants in Copenhagen, Dubai, New York, California, and Florida.
The Ants Sculpture are on loan from the artist. This public art installation is presented through Creative B. It is an interdisciplinary arts program. It takes place during the summer.
Cochran said she is excited that her Ants Sculpture are on display for such a large student body. She believes that they might change the viewpoint of students that don’t like bugs.
Think about the Ants Sculpture you see here. They are a reminder to communicate. They represent the resilience of art. They also show the beauty in unexpected places. Take a moment to appreciate these creatures. Let your inner child come out. Perhaps you will see the world a little differently.