Columbian hippos are being transformed into art

• The exhibition explores the political critique of the symbol of the hippos of Escobar.
• The exhibition includes works by 20 artists who use various media.
• Hippos in Columbia have become an invasive species, with their population exceeding 160 individuals.

During the new exhibition in Bogotá, Colombian photographer Edgar Jiménez showcases his work "Adam and Eve," which depicts two of the first hippos brought to Columbia by Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. These animals have become a symbol of excess and paradoxes related to the life of the narco-baron.

Hippos, which were initially purchased from the U.S. zoo, are part of the exhibition "Microdoses, to Reconsider the Inner Hippo," which combines the work of 20 artists who provide political critique of their existence. According to the curator of the exhibition, Santiago Rueda, the project does not aim to moralize, but rather invites viewers to reflect on the irony of the situation.

Among the exhibits, one can find not only photographs but also live drawings, graphics, and even mushrooms grown in a hippo habitat. For example, one of the works in the exhibition depicts Escobar alongside wild animals, which are released from a military aircraft, symbolizing the legacy of the late drug lord.

Hippos, which now number more than 160 individuals, have been recognized as an invasive species in Columbia. Their existence and impact on the local ecosystem raise significant questions about the sustainability of Escobar's legacy. The exhibition opened on November 7 at Casa Échele Cabeza, a project aimed at regulating narcotics and reducing harm.

Tags: Culture