Body of artistic evidence

What does a DNA sequence and contemporary art have in common? It’s simple, really – they both present squiggles and lines that can be mind-boggling at the best of times.

But let’s not be philistine about this. In reality, what the two share is the fact that they are both very personal. While your DNA is the essence of who you are, art is the canvas on which you can paint your innermost thoughts, feelings and emotions.

DNA art combines the two in what is probably the most personal form of art you can get. Pioneered by an American company called DNA 11, DNA art looks inside you and literally frames your essence.

The process to create your DNA art is simple. The company sends you a collection kit with everything that you need to capture a sample of your DNA.

It’s just like CSI – you just swab the inside of your cheek. Then you return your sample to the company, which then transforms your DNA into a personal portrait that captures your inner beauty.

DNA art is not some fad – in fact, the Museum of Modern Art features it in its exclusive museum stores all around the world. Art by DNA 11 has also appeared on the Today Show, BBC, GQ and The Wall Street Journal. CSI:NY even featured a DNA 11 artwork as a clue in one of Detective Mac Taylor’s investigations. Which is very apt, really, since this kind of art is the biggest clue to who you are.