Erwin Panofsky stated in the 1940s that “man is indeed the only animal to leave records behind him, for he is the only animal whose products ‘recall to mind’ an idea distinct from their material existence”. However, in the seemingly boundless expression of the superorganism, art created by ants features a strong post-humanist element, such that the aesthetic dimension of being for humans as well as other animals (ants) is one of cooperation rather than conflict. We can no longer separate humans from other animals qualitatively regarding a creative identity and thus a reframing of our narrow perceptions of the creative spirit in the natural world is warranted.

Horace began the ant paintings in 2018. Since meeting Jiayi, they have developed this series of works together.

Jiayi pours the water-acrylic mix on the canvas (plastic sheet), and Horace transfers the ants onto the canvas, letting them walk in random directions. Once Jiayi decides when the painting is good enough, Horace removes the ants. A large number of ants and their movements make the final artwork dynamically beautiful and thought-provoking.  

Media: Acrylic/LED/Wood/Plastic/Tin foil