Starting January 17, 2026, the ArtScience Museum in Singapore offers visitors a magnified look into the intricate world of insects with the exhibition, Insects: Microsculptures Magnified. Featuring supersized photographic prints by acclaimed macro photographer Levon Biss, the show elevates often-overlooked small creatures into objects of dazzling complexity, revealing the hidden beauty and astonishing detail of their minuscule anatomy. This sensory journey, running through April 19, 2026, aims to foster greater appreciation for these vital, yet frequently dismissed, life forms by presenting their structure on a monumental scale.
Unveiling the Hidden Wonders of Microsculpture
Insects, ranging from iridescent beetles to fuzzy-legged spiders, possess physical features—sometimes mistaken for pests—that are largely invisible to the naked human eye. Levon Biss’s photographic technique captures what are described as “microsculptures,” documenting complex textures, shimmering protective exoskeletons, razor-sharp pincers, and vibrant scales with unprecedented clarity.
Biss’s work first captivated audiences at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in 2016. The Singapore iteration of the exhibition expands upon this foundation, incorporating unique contextual materials drawn from local expertise. Collaborations include contributions from Singapore’s esteemed Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NTU’s Asian School of the Environment, and Blackcrow Taxidermy & Art. This integration highlights the importance of regional research and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Beyond the Lens: Interactive and Local Insights
The exhibition is designed to be highly engaging for visitors of all ages, transforming the passive viewing of photographs into an active educational experience. Beyond the striking prints, attendees can peer into actual microscopes to observe preserved insect specimens in stunning magnification, offering a tangible connection to the art.
Moreover, the installation incorporates various interactive elements:
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: A short documentary film provides insight into Levon Biss’s meticulous photographic process and the technical challenges of capturing these miniature subjects.
- Educational Touchscreens: Interactive digital displays offer in-depth information on insect biology, taxonomy, and their ecological roles.
- Research Spotlights: Displays showcase groundbreaking innovative developments currently underway at Singapore’s key ecology-related institutions, underscoring the relevance of entomological study to modern sustainability efforts.
Understanding the complexity of insect life can profoundly shift perspectives. As the exhibition demonstrates, appreciating the artistry in an insect’s protective armor or the patterns on its wings can deepen understanding of biodiversity and ecological balance. Visitors are encouraged to move past common preconceptions of insects as nuisances and recognize them as magnificent components of the natural world.
The ArtScience Museum is a key venue for bringing science and art into dialogue, making it an ideal setting for this exhibition. Tickets for Insects: Microsculptures Magnified start from $8 for local adults, offering an accessible opportunity for residents and tourists alike to experience this fascinating intersection of nature, photography, and science. Timed entry tickets can be reserved online, ensuring a seamless viewing experience between January 17 and April 19, 2026. This spring viewing is poised to spark a newfound appreciation for the extraordinary beauty existing just beneath our feet.