Stictoleptura scutellata

Benjamin Hasselberg is a Swedish photographer, nature guide, and recent master’s graduate in psychological research focusing on nature connection. He is passionate about macro photography that highlights overlooked elements of natural ecosystems. Through his lens, Hasselberg emphasizes the often-invisible species and processes that sustain forest life, aiming to shift attention from the traditionally celebrated “charismatic megafauna” to the smaller organisms crucial for ecological balance.

His photographic series “Ligna” focuses on dead wood and the microhabitats it provides. The image selected for this exhibition reveals an intimate moment with the beetle Stictoleptura scutellata, which depend on decaying timber to survive. By freezing a moment of eye contact with such a small being, its individuality comes into focus. Hasselberg frames decay not as waste, but as a foundational process within a healthy forest ecosystem, one upon which countless organisms depend. Many of these are small, often overlooked life forms that may possess inner worlds of their own, not unlike ours. His work emphasizes that allowing natural processes to unfold create the foundation for countless of small organisms to thrive, supporting overall biodiversity.

The series relates directly to the concept of rewilding. Hasselberg highlights that restoration is not only about large mammals or dramatic landscapes but also about recognizing and valuing the less-visible species that form the foundation of ecological networks. In this way, “Ligna” encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions about nature, cultivating awareness of the smaller lives that are essential for resilient ecosystems.

Benjamin Hasselberg combines scientific insight with visual sensitivity, offering a compelling reminder that rewilding begins with paying attention to all layers of life.

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