The often-overlooked world of insects takes center stage in a stunning new exhibition at ArtScience Museum in Singapore, inviting visitors to reconsider these tiny creatures often dismissed as pests. Beginning January 17, 2026, Insects: Microsculptures Magnified showcases breathtaking, supersized macro-photographs by Levon Biss, revealing the intricate beauty and complex structures of the insect kingdom in jaw-dropping detail.
Unveiling the Insect’s Inner Architecture
The exhibition centers on Biss’s celebrated photographic series, which transforms minuscule insect specimens into monumental portraits. Each image focuses intensely on the unique “microsculptures” of features invisible to the naked eye—from the kaleidoscopic colors of protective armor and shimmery scales to the surprising textures of fuzzy legs and sharp pincers. By dramatically enlarging the subjects, Biss elevates these biological components to the level of high art, highlighting the extraordinary engineering present in nature.
The photographs originated from a 2016 showing at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, but the Singapore presentation offers unique local enhancements. The ArtScience Museum collaboration integrates contributions from Singaporean ecological institutions, creating a richer, regionally relevant experience.
Local Collaborations and Ecological Insights
The exhibition incorporates educational and specimen materials from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, NTU’s Asian School of the Environment, and Blackcrow Taxidermy & Art. Visitors gain the opportunity not only to admire the artistry but also to peer into microscopes at magnified insect specimens, further bridging the gap between art and science.
Furthermore, the display provides crucial context regarding Singapore’s own biodiversity research. Touchscreen exhibits detail current innovative developments undertaken by local ecological institutions, helping visitors understand the vital role insects play in the environment and how local scientists are working to protect them. This local lens emphasizes that ecology is a deeply relevant topic, integrating global art with regional scholarship.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
“Insects: Microsculptures Magnified” provides a highly interactive experience suitable for families, students, and curious adults. The educational components are designed to deepen appreciation for entomology without requiring prior expertise.
Interactive features of the exhibition include:
- Behind-the-Scenes Film: A short documentary exploring Levon Biss’s specialized macro-photography techniques, illuminating the technical challenges of capturing such extreme detail.
- Educational Displays: Touchscreen stations offering facts, context, and detailed explanations of the specimens and their features.
- Microscope Stations: Opportunities to view actual insect specimens under high magnification.
While visitors may not exit as professional entomologists, the goal is to foster a tangible appreciation for biodiversity and the often-overlooked beauty of these “itty bitty creatures.”
The exhibition runs at the ArtScience Museum from January 17 to April 19, 2026. This limited-time showing offers an accessible and engaging way for the public to connect with the science and aesthetics of the natural world. Tickets for local adults start at $8. Timed entry tickets are highly recommended and can be reserved online. This is an unparalleled opportunity to see the insect world not as pests or background noise, but as masterpieces of biological design.