maria fernanda cardoso's detailed photos explore the vibrant world of tiny maratus spiders

Spiders of Paradise: through the lens of Maria Fernanda Cardoso

In her Spiders of Paradise project nature-focused artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso presents a highly detailed photographic journey into the world of the tiny Australian Maratus spider. Measuring less than 5 millimeters, these insects are renowned for their unique, brightly-colored abdomens, which play a crucial role in their elaborate mating rituals. Through a series of large-scale photographs, Cardoso captures the multi-colored patterns of various Maratus species, presenting them as individual portraits.

‘The Maratus spiders of Australia are the most colorful, flamboyant, sexy, and charming spiders on the planet. I think if paradise existed, it would be inhabited by beautiful creatures such as these,’ shares the artist. ‘Their use of color, gesture, sound, and movement makes them (in my opinion) amongst the most sophisticated visual and performing artists in the world. They are also the smallest performers I know of—on average about 4-6mm in size, smaller than a grain of rice.’

all images courtesy of Maria Fernanda Cardoso and Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney

Maratus Spiders flood Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Maria Fernanda Cardoso is known for her use of unconventional and organic materials to explore the interplay between nature, culture, and science. Her diverse body of work spans sculpture, photography, installation, video, and performance, all of which investigate the connections and tensions between society and the natural world. Since 2018, the Australia-based artist has been immersed in her Spiders of Paradise project, delving into the captivating world of these tiny creatures. Her exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia features a series of large-scale photographs showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of spiders. Magnified hundreds of times, these images reveal the striking hues, structures, and designs perfected by male spiders to attract their elusive female counterparts.

‘I marvel at the beauty of the pictures these tiny artists have collaboratively created. How can creatures with such minuscule brains have created such beauty and complexity?’ says Maria Fernanda Cardoso. ‘And while you might not believe me, they don’t just make beautiful pictures, they actually do sing and dance.’ The exhibition also features a video by Maria Fernanda Cardoso, allowing visitors to observe the spiders’ courtship behavior.

The traveling exhibition is on view in six different galleries across Australia: at the Cairns Art Gallery, from August 31st to November 24th, 2024, at the Charles Darwin University Art Gallery, from February 6th to April 19th, 2025, at the Tweed Regional Gallery, from May 10th to August 3d, 2025, at the Geraldton Art Gallery, from August 23d to November 2nd, 2025, at the Bunjil Place, from November 27th, 2025 to February 22nd, 2026, at the Orange Regional Gallery, from March 7th, to May 17th, 2026, and at the Canberra Museum & Gallery, from May 30th to August 23d, 2026.

the Maratus Spiders are renowned for their unique, brightly-colored abdomens,