Luis Pablo's graceful anteater is full of the playful charm which characterizes his work. The long snout extending downwards, its large upright ears, and the single ant sitting on the end of its pink tongue show a pleasant moment in time; the scene has a lively feel and is a testimony to Luis Pablo's ability to turn ordinary animal movements into art.
The design is pure and sculptural, typical of Luis Pablo, and comes to life through the use of a warm range of colors including terracotta, ocher, mustard, burgundy and sky blue. I really enjoy the way the painted strips run along the back and shoulders, since they add a sense of rhythm and movement without detracting from the carving. The tail slopes gracefully to a black tip, and the dark legs with white claws give the piece a powerful finish.
What attracts me most is the contrast between the anteater's concentrated, almost serious posture and the small ant, which is the real star of the piece; this little feature brings the entire work to life by introducing humor and a sense of movement. It's typical of Luis Pablo to use bold shapes, confident colors, and have an amazing ability to give his animals a real personality with just a few masterful touches.
