Michael Benson’s latest work, Nanocosmos: Journeys in Electron Space, isn’t about distant galaxies or grand cosmic events. Instead, it dives into the unseen wonders of the very small, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal extraordinary detail in snowflakes, lunar rocks, and even the tiny creatures living within flowers.
The Shift in Scale
Benson, known for his previous explorations of space through photography (Planetfall and Cosmigraphics ), explains that this project isn’t so different in spirit. His work has always been about perspective and our place in the universe, whether that universe is measured in light-years or millimeters. He emphasizes that, like Buckminster Fuller’s point about space exploration, we are already immersed in an incredible reality—we just need the right tools to see it.
The Science Behind the Art
SEM imaging involves bombarding a sample with electrons instead of light, achieving far higher magnification and detail than conventional microscopes. The process is complex: samples often need special preparation, like coating with conductive materials to prevent charging. Benson secured training at the Canadian Museum of Nature, allowing him access to this specialized equipment and the expertise to navigate its technical challenges.
The Artistic Approach
Benson isn’t a scientist, but a writer and artist who uses scientific tools to explore “phenomenal reality.” He positions his work within the history of photography, emphasizing the creative choices involved in image-making. Unlike purely scientific imaging focused on empirical data, Benson’s approach prioritizes aesthetic impact, aiming to evoke wonder and awe. This is about playing with perspective, as Brian Eno put it, to rediscover a sense of curiosity about our world.
From Lunar Landscapes to Hidden Worlds
Nanocosmos presents familiar objects in alien detail. Lunar rock samples, for example, reveal microscopic landscapes reminiscent of Earth’s deserts and mountains. The book also features stunning close-ups of snowflakes, radiolarians, and insects within flowers—creatures typically invisible to the naked eye. Benson’s work highlights that frontiers aren’t just about reaching new places; they exist wherever we push the boundaries of what we know, or think we know.
Benson’s project reminds us that beauty and mystery exist at every scale. By bringing the microscopic world into focus, he encourages us to look closer, to wonder, and to recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary.
