The exhibition features 37 monumental, high‑magnification portraits of insects from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, captured by award‑winning British photographer Levon Biss. The exhibition also depicts the rich diversity of insect life in Singapore. It highlights how scientists working in the nation’s forests and laboratories are making significant discoveries that advance fields from ecology and conservation to biomimetic engineering. With contributions from Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Nanyang Technological University, A*STAR and Singapore Geographic, the show reveals how research conducted here is shaping international understandings of insect diversity and inspiring new applications across science and technology.
It is a great honour to be part of this exhibition alongside the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Thanks, Chelsea Chye, for inviting me to the discussion for this collaboration. It is truly an honour to have the insect videos that my son and I created displayed in such a beautifully designed layout at the ArtScience Museum.
When I was invited to view the installation, I was honestly left speechless. The layout and setup are really impressive. Being able to hear the nature sounds that I recorded at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve adds an immersive touch, making visitors feel as though they are truly surrounded by nature.
I am also very pleased to share that the cicada video is being used by A*STAR for their research video.
Insect as inspiration
The metamorphosis process of the Butterfly and the Moth
From caterpillar to pupa and finally to butterfly deeply inspired me.
I was fascinated by how such a small creature builds a cocoon to protect itself from insects, birds, and harsh weather. Before transforming into a pupa, it prepares itself by consuming more of its host plant. The pupa stage can last a week or longer; for example, the Atlas moth takes about a month.
During this process, nothing seems to happen from the outside, but inside, a remarkable transformation is taking place, eventually becoming a beautiful moth or butterfly.
At that time, I had almost lost all my photography assignments. Watching the pupa stage motivated me and made me reflect: perhaps this was my time to upgrade myself and learn something new. That was when I started learning videography and video editing, hoping to utilize these skills in the future.
These tiny creatures taught me that life is not easy. They face many challenges before becoming something beautiful. This made me realize that the period I was going through was my own “learning time” – a time to stay positive and grow
That is how Singapore Geographic was born
Singapore Geographic showcases 10 videos curated by ArtScience Museum in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, enriched by scientific research from Singapore.
All the videos were filmed in Singapore, including locations such as Sungei Buloh, Choa Chu Kang Park, Thomson Nature Park, and Dairy Farm Nature Park.
Thank you to ArtScience Museum Singapore for this opportunity and collaboration.
The exhibition was opened on 15 January 2026 by Honor Harger, vice president of ArtScience Museum
On the opening day, I was really glad to finally meet some of my “nature” friends who had helped me with identifying the insects. It was great meeting all of you.
David & Jonathan Wirawan
Here are some photos of the Opening Celebration on 15 January 2026.
Photos Courtesy of Marina Bay Sands
Some Photos of the layout and exhibitons:
