Molten Aluminum Poured Into Ant Hives for Science and Art

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I make casts of ant colonies using molten aluminum to fill the tunnels and chambers of the nest.

The result is an amazing sculpture showing the intricate detail of the nest architecture. The cast is then mounted for display on a wood base.

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I have very mixed feelings about this.

I can see both the scientific and artistic qualities of this, but the idea of pouring molten aluminum and frying alive something, even an ant colony, makes me squeamish.

Via Anthill Art.

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About

I design video games for a living, write fiction, political theory and poetry for personal amusement, and train regularly in Western European 16th century swordwork. On frequent occasion I have been known to hunt for and explore abandoned graveyards, train tunnels and other interesting places wherever I may find them, but there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that I am preparing to set off a zombie apocalypse. Nothing that will stand up in court, at least. I use paranthesis with distressing frequency, have a deep passion for history, anthropology and sociological theory, and really, really, really hate mayonnaise. But I wash my hands after the writing. Promise.

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