INTERTWINED
SHARING DNA: HUMAN, CAT, COW, SLUG, FRUIT FLY AND TREE
The collection
This collection of paintings and sculptures is the result of the collaboration between the Genomics Institute and the OpenLab Research Center at University of California, Santa Cruz. This project was developed during an Art Residency at UCSC OpenLab by artist and professor José Carlos Espinel during summer 2023.
In this series of paintings and sculptures, the artist has translated DNA profiles into a visual language, using stripes that represent the 20 proteins found in human, cat, cow, slug, fruit fly, and tree genomes. But what sets this collection apart is the artist's approach to color selection—a method that draws a connection between the four nucleotides and the blending of primary colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and white.
Each painting in the exhibition unveils a distinct DNA profile, unraveling the genomic secrets that underpin the diversity of life. To achieve this, the artist has assigned specific color combinations to represent the 64 different ways nucleotides combine. The primary colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and white—represent the four nucleotides, while the percentage or amount of each color captures the essence of the proteins they call forth.
Nucleotids and color
Espinel relates DNA nucleotids to primary colors and white. in DNA nucleotids come together in groups of three, which result in 64 different combinations.
Working with those colours as stripes, an interesting parttern shows up. Differnt thicknesses is due to the proximity of two or more same nucleotids. When different nucleotids are together, their colors get mixed in the eye, becoming an interesting variaty and combination of colors as seen in the image below.
Protein mixed color
Mixing the combination of nucleotids result in 20 different color mix, which is exactly the number of proteins reflected on DNA.
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Continuing the journey of artistic accessibility, the "INTERTWINED" paintings have been thoughtfully transformed into tactile reliefs. These reliefs replace the vibrant colors with varying heights or depths, allowing individuals with visual impairments to experience and appreciate the intricate beauty of the artworks.
The objective behind creating these square reliefs or sculptures is to transcend the boundaries of visual art, making the genetic compositions accessible to blind people. By translating the colors of the original paintings into different levels of elevation, the artist aims to convey the intricate patterns and nuances of the DNA profiles through touch and spatial perception.
Each sculpture in the exhibition corresponds to one of the six DNA profiles represented in the original paintings. Through a careful arrangement of raised surfaces, the reliefs capture the unique characteristics and sequences of proteins within the genomes of humans, cats, cows, slugs, fruit flies, and narcissus flowers.
Blind individuals can now explore the reliefs with their hands, tracing their fingertips over the intricate patterns and feeling the variations in depth that represent the proteins. The experience provides a tactile understanding of the genetic information encoded within each organism's DNA, allowing for a deeper connection and appreciation of the intricate symphony of life.
"INTERTWINED" breaks new ground in inclusive art, embracing the concept that art should be accessible to all. By transforming paintings into tactile reliefs, the exhibition offers a profound and immersive experience that encourages engagement, exploration, and appreciation of the fascinating world of genomics.
The "INTERTWINED- SHARING DNA: HUMAN, CAT, COW, SLUG, FRUIT FLY AND TREE" collection can be seen at the Genomics Institute at UCSC.
José Carlos Espinel at the OpenLab Studio at UCSC.