Spiders of Paradise: Photos by Maria Fernanda Cardoso

Sydney-based artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso captures the unique beauty of Australian peacock spiders in her stunning series “Spiders of Paradise.” Maria is an artist who has been working with animals and the natural world for almost four decades. Her latest work explores the intricate world of Maratus spiders, showcasing these tiny creatures in all their flamboyant glory.

Maratus, also known as “peacock spiders”, are renowned for their vivid colors and elaborate courtship dances. These micro arachnids, often no larger than a grain of rice, are a marvel of nature’s design. The males, with their brilliantly patterned abdomens, perform intricate dances complete with leg raises and vibrant displays in a bid to woo potential mates. Maria describes them as “sophisticated and performing artists.” Her fascination with these creatures led to a collaboration with scientific imager Geoff Thompson and entomologist Andy Wang from the Queensland Museum. Together, they crafted a breathtaking series of seventeen large-scale images, each a composite of over 1,000 photographs meticulously merged to highlight every micro-detail of the spiders.

The “Spiders of Paradise” exhibition, organized with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, began its tour at the Cairns Art Gallery in Queensland. The exhibition will run from August 31 to November 24 and is set to travel to various locations across the country over the next two years, inviting audiences to delve into the mesmerizing world of these tiny marvels.

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