The artwork titled “Box of Ants,” created by the artist Lygia Pape in 1967, is a prominent example of Conceptual Art and falls under the genre of installation. This piece reflects the innovative and avant-garde tendencies of the 1960s, emphasizing the idea behind the work rather than its aesthetic aspects.
The artwork comprises a box containing ants and a piece of meat. The ants are visibly interacting with the meat, creating a dynamic and somewhat chaotic scene. Encircling the meat are three concentric circles, within which the ants move in various directions. The text “a gula ou a luxúria” (translated from Portuguese as “gluttony or lust”) is inscribed at the top and bottom of the box, adding a provocative layer of meaning and inviting viewers to ponder whether the ants’ behavior is driven by gluttonous or lustful impulses. The minimalist design and use of live elements challenge traditional notions of art, suggesting interactions between nature and constructed environments.
