Dung Beetle Navigates

Dung Beetle Navigates (2014)

Artist: Janet Austin

Media:
Beetle: powder-coated steel, foam, concrete, mosaic glass tile
Dung ball: LED light, steel, foam, concrete, pigment, glass rods

Dimensions:
Beetle: 12” H x 16” W x 32” D
Dung ball: 24” diameter

Breaking Scientific Discovery: Dung beetles use the stars to navigate. This beetle is pushing his illuminated dung ball that represents the night sky with glass rods shining through an Yves Klein Blue field. The dung ball is a mobile home that houses the offspring, as they hatch they have food and shelter.