No. 102931956

No longer available
Tijs Dragtsma (1992) - Beyond Gravity
Bidding closed
15 h ago

Tijs Dragtsma (1992) - Beyond Gravity

Beyond Gravity is a sculptural work within the Art with Nails series by Tijs Dragtsma. In this piece, the image does not arise through paint, print or digital reproduction. It is constructed through impact. Hundreds of precisely positioned brass nails penetrate a deep black acrylic surface, forming a figure suspended in space. The astronaut appears weightless, detached from earthly gravity. Yet the work itself is grounded in material force. Each nail represents a deliberate action. A strike. A decision. A point of tension between control and resistance. From a distance the figure reads as calm and iconic. Up close, the surface reveals a complex landscape of depth, shadow and reflection. Light activates the work. As illumination shifts, shadows extend and contract, creating a dynamic spatial presence that feels almost kinetic. The black acrylic does not simply function as background. It absorbs, reflects and intensifies. The brass nails catch the light like distant stars, reinforcing the sensation of vastness and isolation. Beyond Gravity is not only a depiction of space exploration. It reflects the human desire to transcend limitation. To move beyond physical and psychological boundaries. The figure floats in silence, yet the work itself carries weight. A balance between heaviness and elevation. Between impact and infinity. About Art with Nails Art with Nails is a self-developed artistic medium in which imagery emerges through the precise placement of steel or brass nails. Rather than applying pigment, Dragtsma constructs form through repetition, rhythm and controlled force. The works are defined by sculptural depth, material contrast and the interaction between light and shadow. Each nail functions as an individual element within a larger spatial composition, allowing the image to shift depending on perspective and illumination. Every piece is unique and unrepeatable, shaped by material behaviour, surface tension and the cumulative impact of thousands of deliberate gestures. About the Artist – Tijs Dragtsma Tijs Dragtsma is a Dutch contemporary artist and founder of TD Fine Art Studio. His practice operates at the intersection of material, structure and light, with a strong focus on developing distinct artistic languages rather than following established traditions. He is widely recognised for his Art with Nails series, in which hundreds to thousands of steel or brass nails form sculptural portraits that transform with light and viewing angle. Through precision and repetition, he translates digital mapping into physical presence. Since beginning his artistic practice in 2024, his works have entered private collections across Europe, Asia and the United States, and have been presented internationally. His work is driven by experimentation, technical control and a long-term vision centred on material integrity and spatial experience. All works are conceived and produced in his studio in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands.

No. 102931956

No longer available
Tijs Dragtsma (1992) - Beyond Gravity

Tijs Dragtsma (1992) - Beyond Gravity

Beyond Gravity is a sculptural work within the Art with Nails series by Tijs Dragtsma.

In this piece, the image does not arise through paint, print or digital reproduction. It is constructed through impact. Hundreds of precisely positioned brass nails penetrate a deep black acrylic surface, forming a figure suspended in space.

The astronaut appears weightless, detached from earthly gravity. Yet the work itself is grounded in material force. Each nail represents a deliberate action. A strike. A decision. A point of tension between control and resistance.

From a distance the figure reads as calm and iconic. Up close, the surface reveals a complex landscape of depth, shadow and reflection. Light activates the work. As illumination shifts, shadows extend and contract, creating a dynamic spatial presence that feels almost kinetic.

The black acrylic does not simply function as background. It absorbs, reflects and intensifies. The brass nails catch the light like distant stars, reinforcing the sensation of vastness and isolation.

Beyond Gravity is not only a depiction of space exploration. It reflects the human desire to transcend limitation. To move beyond physical and psychological boundaries. The figure floats in silence, yet the work itself carries weight. A balance between heaviness and elevation. Between impact and infinity.

About Art with Nails

Art with Nails is a self-developed artistic medium in which imagery emerges through the precise placement of steel or brass nails. Rather than applying pigment, Dragtsma constructs form through repetition, rhythm and controlled force.

The works are defined by sculptural depth, material contrast and the interaction between light and shadow. Each nail functions as an individual element within a larger spatial composition, allowing the image to shift depending on perspective and illumination.

Every piece is unique and unrepeatable, shaped by material behaviour, surface tension and the cumulative impact of thousands of deliberate gestures.

About the Artist – Tijs Dragtsma

Tijs Dragtsma is a Dutch contemporary artist and founder of TD Fine Art Studio. His practice operates at the intersection of material, structure and light, with a strong focus on developing distinct artistic languages rather than following established traditions.

He is widely recognised for his Art with Nails series, in which hundreds to thousands of steel or brass nails form sculptural portraits that transform with light and viewing angle. Through precision and repetition, he translates digital mapping into physical presence.

Since beginning his artistic practice in 2024, his works have entered private collections across Europe, Asia and the United States, and have been presented internationally. His work is driven by experimentation, technical control and a long-term vision centred on material integrity and spatial experience.

All works are conceived and produced in his studio in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands.

Bidding closed
Giulia Resti
Expert
Gallery Estimate  € 2,000 - € 2,400

Similar objects

For you in

Modern & Contemporary Art

Set a search alert
Set a search alert to get notified when new matches are available.

This object was featured in

                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    
                                        
                                                                                                    
                    

How to buy on Catawiki

Learn more about our Buyer Protection

      1. Discover something special

      Browse through thousands of special objects selected by experts. View the photos, details and estimated value of each special object. 

      2. Place the top bid

      Find something you love and place the top bid. You can follow the auction to the end or let our system do the bidding for you. All you have to do is set a bid for the maximum amount you want to pay. 

      3. Make a secure payment

      Pay for your special object and we’ll keep your payment secure until it arrives safe and sound. We use a trusted payment system to handle all transactions. 

Have something similar to sell?

Whether you're new to online auctions or sell professionally, we can help you earn more for your special objects.

Sell your object