Gold and Spiderweb

An Unusual Art Object that Preserves the Beauty of Nature

Spiderwebs, with their natural beauty and aesthetics, have always captivated our attention. However, their delicate intricacy fades away all too quickly. With the Gold and Spiderweb project, Andrejs Nadezdinskis aimed to preserve this natural glory forever and showcase it in an unprecedented manner.

The main challenge was to create an art object that did not resemble anything made by mankind before. To achieve this, Nadezdinskis developed a meticulous process. Specialized adaptations and transport boxes were used to carefully remove and transport the spiderwebs without damaging them. Multistage conservation technology was employed to preserve the delicate webs. Finally, pure 24-carat gold was applied to cover the spiderwebs, ensuring their eternal beauty.

The resulting artwork, measuring 27x22cm, is encased in a frame measuring 41x36x3.6cm. To enhance the viewing experience, an anti-reflective museum glass was used. The entire composition is presented as a unified whole and placed in a specially designed gift box measuring 46x41x9cm.

Gold and Spiderweb is not a static artwork; it comes alive under different lighting conditions, altering the visual perception of the piece. This dynamic interaction with light adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the art object.

The project, which began in May 2016 in Riga, was completed in January 2017. The artwork was later exhibited at the MUSEUM LV art gallery in Riga in February 2018, captivating audiences with its unique blend of nature and artistry.

Andrejs Nadezdinskis faced numerous challenges during the creation of Gold and Spiderweb. The primary obstacle was finding innovative technologies to achieve the project's goal of preserving and showcasing the delicate beauty of spiderwebs. Through extensive research and experimentation, Nadezdinskis overcame these challenges, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind art object.

The Gold and Spiderweb project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2018. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill. By incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, Gold and Spiderweb contributes to the improvement of quality of life and showcases the ingenuity of its creator.

Image Credits: Laura Igovena