An army of about one thousand statues has been placed on the steps of the University of Chile Law School, drawing a large crowd of curious onlookers.

Brazilian artist Nele Azevedo created the tiny ice sculptures, and said they represent something different to each viewer.

The figures inevitably melt, and for some they bring on thoughts of mortality and the circle of life, which Azevedo believes is now missing amid the consumerism of modern Western culture. Since 2001, the artist has used moulds to create the sculptures which he has also displayed in Sao Paulo, Berlin and Florence.

The University invited Azevedo to participate in its Environmental Law Conference. Some participants saw parallels between the slowly melting figures and the polar ice caps and receding glaciers believed by many to be caused by climate change.

With the help of two assistants and a team of local volunteers, Azevedo worked carefully over several days to create about one hundred sculptures a day. When they were finished, the pieces were stored in an ice truck until their debut on the campus’ steps on Wednesday.