Ants made of stainless steel and lacquer have always been a favored subject in Chen’s work.

The coldness of these man-made materials blend with the natural characteristics of ants, forcing us

to reflect on the colony-like structure of China, especially the acts of living and moving at a time of social

transformation. After these ants are modeled, enlarged, and colored, they are juxtaposed and placed

in different public places, which creates visual estrangement, and even anxiety. At the same time, Chen

transforms and transplants the ants into real contexts, to immense dramatic and symbolic effect.

The strange appearance of these ants both symbolizes and concretizes increased material consumption

in Chinese society today.

Feng Boyi
 

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