Spider Haus is a transpecies communication artwork designed to allow humans to observe the delicate beauty of the common house spider (Theridiidae). It is constructed of rapid prototyped stereo lithography plastic, electronics, wood, TV and and camera.

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Spider Haus by Ken Rinaldo amplification environment invited by Cezanne Charles and John Marshal. Photo by John Marshall

The micro video camera is mounted on the interior of the plant-like forms and amplifies the spider environment to allow humans to observe and commune with these delicate and alien creatures.

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Spider Haus by Ken Rinaldo amplification environment invited by Cezanne Charles and John Marshal. Photo by John Marshall

Since the beginning of history, spiders have been viewed as threatening creatures and enemies of humans.

Arachnophobia is a rampant deep primeval repulsion of spiders though spiders offer tremendous benefits to humans such as eliminating harmful insects from our environment.

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Spider Haus by Ken Rinaldo amplification environment invited by Cezanne Charles and John Marshal. Photo by John Marshall

This work is designed as comfortable home for spiders with a hybrid rapid prototyped plant, which has spikes for easy web attachment. Blue LED’s are designed to attract insects into the flower area so they may be ensnared in the spiders web.

Here you see the image from the TV receiving the signal from the micro video camera. It becomes a mediated space of safety and distance also allows a view of the web and artificial plant.

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Spider Haus by Ken Rinaldo amplification environment invited by Cezanne Charles and John Marshal. Photo by John Marshall


EXHIBITIONS

HOPKINS HALL GALLERY, OHIO STATE Columbus, Ohio. October 2002
Faculty Exhibition. Spider Haus a rapid prototyped amplification environment with a common house spider.

INTERSCULPT BIENNALE Manchester England. Nov. 2001
Displayed rapid prototyped models for Spider haus sculpture.

TURTLE BAY MUSEUM Redding, California. Jul. 9th-Jan. 31st, 2004
Spider Haus as part of the exhibit Bugs curated by Tricia Watts. Invited.

CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER OF CINCINATTI, Ohio Sept 6th, 2008