sense of presence
2021We live in a time when human ingenuity seems limitless.
Although that alleged ingenuity has brought us to a point where the neglect of our environment could mean the end of our species.
Insects* play a vital role in our lives, but who is really aware of that?
They easily escape our attention.
Which is understandable: in our modern lives, inconspicuousness is not a highly valued quality for many of us. Let alone a feature we prefer.
For some species however, inconspicuousness is vital. It is still unknown why nocturnal insects are attracted to bright light while they prefer to avoid daylight itself as much as possible. Our knowledge may bring us far, but with many earthly mysteries we, as humans, are still groping in the dark.
With the help of a camera and a flash, it is possible to photograph these insects as they move skittishly through the air. The whimsical, sometimes almost panicky fluttering results in unforeseen patterns and an aesthetic, characteristic of the unpredictability of nature.
The combination of luck and chance turns out to be a recipe to prove that there is beauty and magic in small, almost invisible things.
With the help of some technology and a little human ingenuity, this previously unknown and unseen world suddenly comes closer.
Rogier Maaskant
Insects* play a vital role in our lives, but who is really aware of that?
They easily escape our attention.
Which is understandable: in our modern lives, inconspicuousness is not a highly valued quality for many of us. Let alone a feature we prefer.
For some species however, inconspicuousness is vital. It is still unknown why nocturnal insects are attracted to bright light while they prefer to avoid daylight itself as much as possible. Our knowledge may bring us far, but with many earthly mysteries we, as humans, are still groping in the dark.
With the help of a camera and a flash, it is possible to photograph these insects as they move skittishly through the air. The whimsical, sometimes almost panicky fluttering results in unforeseen patterns and an aesthetic, characteristic of the unpredictability of nature.
The combination of luck and chance turns out to be a recipe to prove that there is beauty and magic in small, almost invisible things.
With the help of some technology and a little human ingenuity, this previously unknown and unseen world suddenly comes closer.
Rogier Maaskant
Trichoptera
Swarms of caddisflies (Trichoptera)
Bergse Voorplas, Rotterdam - summer 2021
*) The number of insect species is estimated at 5.5 million, of which about 1.5 million are currently described.
Worldwide, the number of moth species is estimated at 160,000, many of which have not yet been scientifically defined.
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The decline of butterflies and other invertebrate species since 1970.
source: Yale Environmant 360
Worldwide, the number of moth species is estimated at 160,000, many of which have not yet been scientifically defined.
The decline of butterflies and other invertebrate species since 1970. source: Yale Environmant 360