McAllen, Tx – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is proud to announce the opening of its newest exhibition, Insecta: Small Wonders of the World, on view from August 9, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This visually stunning exhibition by artist and citizen scientist Gabriel Rodriguez invites visitors to see the insect world in a completely new light through the lens of macrophotography.

With strikingly detailed close-up images, Insecta reveals the hidden beauty, diversity, and essential ecological roles of insects. Macrophotography, a photographic technique that magnifies small subjects in exquisite detail, brings to life the textures, colors, and structures of these tiny yet vital creatures. From the iridescent shimmer of a beetle’s wing to the complex symmetry of a compound eye, Rodriguez’s work opens a window into an often-overlooked world.

“Insects are the foundation of countless ecosystems,” said Rodriguez. “Through this exhibition, I hope to inspire awe and a deeper appreciation for the insects that sustain life on our planet.”

Rodriguez, Gabriel. Longhorn Beetle. Photograph. 

Insecta: Small Wonders of the World educates visitors about the defining traits of insects and their roles as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources. Each photograph is a portal into understanding the ecological importance of insects, inviting viewers to see them not as pests but as essential components of biodiversity and environmental balance.

Quoting Canadian entomologist Glenn Wiggins, the exhibition reminds us, “The world is rich in small wonders, but so poor in eyes that see them.” IMAS invites guests of all ages to sharpen their focus and discover the marvels of the miniature world through this unforgettable experience.

An exclusive Member Reception for the exhibition will take place on Thursday, August 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. IMAS Members are invited to enjoy this special preview event free of charge. Members may bring one non-member guest at no cost, with additional guests welcomed for a $10 admission fee. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Insecta: Small Wonders of the World was organized by the International Museum of Art & Science and Gabriel Rodriguez and is supported in part by an Arts Respond grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Rodriguez, Gabriel. Cuckoo Wasp. Photograph.