DNA Art — A Masterpiece of Creation
Art and science have come a long way, and to even think they share some similarities makes the conversation more interesting. Their common focus is on the exploration to express the truth, and some of the best come from inside the human species.
For science, DNA is beyond the surface — it is deep! It is what makes you who you are. In this day and age (age of ultimate personalization), it comes as no surprise that our genetic code has a lot to do with art. And the art and science worlds can attest to this vivid representation of life.
The history of DNA art dates back to 1985 when abstract artist, Dennis Ashbaugh explicitly represented DNA art — this was an inspiration from the then-new DNA sequencing gels in 1975. Then on, scientists have gone ahead to map the genome in full, making it easy to collect at-home DNA samples.
More recently, start-up companies are delving more profound than the on-off switch appearance of the DNA gels. With the combination of the artist’s concept, your genes, including your algorithm, they arrive at a unique piece of art.
As a biotechnologist, you may have a lot of DNA images lying around. And they may not mean anything extra other than the primary reason for which the pictures were taken in the first place — to investigate more about individual internal complexities.
“But what could be so special about them,” you might ask. For those with discerning eyes, these are masterpieces of art defining the varied number of humans on planet earth.
What if you could take samples of your DNA, and have an artwork made from it — to decorate your home? Your DNA sequence transformed into a personalised piece of artwork that can hang on the wall and become a talking point for everyone that walks past.
A digital DNA image can be transformed into a creative piece of artwork. And a couple of artists first tried it several ago; one of them is Salvador Dali (alongside Dennis Ashbaugh mentioned earlier). He was inspired by the structure of DNA and went ahead to transform it into a piece of art.
But here is the twist –our understanding of DNA has experienced a paradigm shift. Contemporary artists are most interested in political, social, and ethical implications of what genetic testing brings to table — and not the genome or double helix as an aesthetic object.
Why some think it has no artistic connotations, others bet to differ — they choose to see it as an art. So regardless of how you perceive it, DNA will always be an integral part of the art.
You can create personal portraits using samples of DNA. Each piece is unique; you can even call them a modern masterpiece, which brings science and art together. In some quarters, it is regarded as a genetic selfie.
What is more is that some of these arts are not a double helix, rather a unique way of rendering “individual” sequence.
DNA Art gives a vivid understanding of DNA itself; it is more representative of life in the physical sense. Art helps to analogize DNA and “self” — a perfect way to model the genetic makeup of the body.
DNA Art has always been a unique piece of art. But in recent times, that line of thought seems to be losing its grip in the art world. This piece is almost everywhere. This simple systematic code inspires repeated pattern and mathematical interpretations — perfect examples are DNA scarf.
Regardless of its simple coding system, DNA brings to the fore complex biological processes. If you think DNA is all about code and math, you’re wrong — it is a clear definition of who you are! What makes DNA such an inspiration for art is the relationship between simple and the mathematic, and also that between the relationships of the complexities of living beings.
The point here is that the commodification of individual genome is now the order of the day. Some companies like Blue Horizon Prints in Australia are offering products that are related to your DNA. Your DNA can be tested by a laboratory then the genome sequence is filtered and coloured and transformed into a stunning artwork. You immediately lost that sense of fiction — it is not a storyline in your favourite novel. Science-fiction has now met the art world!
With that said, we can conclude that it is fast becoming another way of decorating our living space — or even “individualizing” gifts.
Do you want a Unique Work of art Created with your DNA?
DNA can be displayed as art that combines contemporary art, elegance, and rigor of science. Even the most recent technology advances can all be embedded in a genetic artwork of your choice.
Getting a genetic artwork means you’re getting a fusion of an array of experiences that involves art and science. In all sense, you’re granted the perfect opportunity that nobody is like you when both worlds combine.
DNA Portraits
DNA in portraits is unique, and everybody with the love of art at heart will appreciate them. The uniqueness emanates from the desire to replicate our genes — which are nothing more than long sequences in codes of DNA bases.
There are different ways to make a bold statement using DNA art portraits — and they remained the best personalized and unique gifts. It is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.
You can even have a Combine Couple Portraits, integrating the DNA Portraits of two people into one canvas. This collection immediately set itself up as a unique gift for custom anniversary or weddings.
Capture the boundless essence enmeshed around your bundle of joy (your newborn) using a DNA portrait. This piece of art can even be used as a baby shower gift.
DNA art is fast having a bearing over our thought processes and taking immense significance in problematic concerns — far from the hyper-commodified personal genetic portraits. However, it is somewhat part of the same continuum. Embracing this form of art allows the human spirit to express itself more realistically in a world where science and art hold sway.