This is what ecstasy looks like under a microscope
A former laboratory analyst-turned-artist offers a new, unworldly perspective on drugs

GHB crystals under a cross polarization microscope with 100x enlargement.
(Maurice Mikkers)In 2014, a few years after graduating art school, Mikkers began working on Micrograph Stories, a project that reveals a different side of the substances we consume every day

Aspirin crystals after waiting for one hour.
(Maurice Mikkers)After initially experimenting with over-the-counter painkillers and antibiotics, Mikkers got curious about harder drugs, but was unsure how to procure the small samples he ne

MDMA crystals under 200x enlargement.
(Maurice Mikkers)

Acetaminophen crystals after waiting for three hours.
(Maurice Mikkers)

Amphetamine crystals under 40x enlargement.
(Maurice Mikkers)

Diclofenac crystals after waiting for 72 hours.
(Maurice Mikkers)

Ciprofloxacin crystals after waiting for nine hours.
(Maurice Mikkers)

DMT crystals under 400x enlargement.
(Maurice Mikkers)

LSD crystals under 40x enlargement.
(Maurice Mikkers)

2C-B crystals under 200x enlargement.
(Maurice Mikkers)To see more of Maurice Mikkers' work from the "Micrograph Stories" project, visit his website.