DNA Portraits
Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg collects random DNA samples she finds on the street (on pieces of gum, cigarettes, hair, etc.) She then analyzes the DNA to identify the phenotypic traits of its owner (eye color, hair color, skin color, etc.). From this info, she creates a sculpture of the person, using a 3D printer. So it's possible that you could walk into her gallery and see yourself there! More info at policymic.com, or check out Dewey-Hagborg's website.
Comments
Perhaps she picked up a cigarette butt in the DC area? (Pic 3)
Posted by Moses on 05/14/13 at 11:01 AM
It would be interesting to try this with some of the DNA samples in the CODIS database! Start with profiles that have turned up at multiple crime scenes. It would also be interesting to use relative matching to make connections, i.e. take an unknown profile and search the database for the Mom, Dad, Brother, sister or any other related person. Don't you think it's weird that the government won't?! 😖 :coolhmm:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 05/14/13 at 11:53 AM
@Tyrus: And what makes you think they aren't?
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 05/14/13 at 12:43 PM
@Expat Some states do, But the Feds (who control codis), DO NOT.
Some of the issues involving codis and Familial searching can be found HERE.
Some would say the current codis standard of 13 loci is inexact enough to result in de facto Familial searching as is.
Some of the issues involving codis and Familial searching can be found HERE.
Some would say the current codis standard of 13 loci is inexact enough to result in de facto Familial searching as is.
Posted by Tyrusguy on 05/14/13 at 01:10 PM
You need a more Orwellian outlook, Tyrus. 😉
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 05/14/13 at 01:13 PM
Could I sue for failure to acquire image rights? hehe
Posted by EvilSpaceLordMang on 05/14/13 at 04:39 PM
So she sees blue eyes, brown hair, fair skin and guesses every other attribute. I'd be keen to see how close (or far off) she is with her sculptures. Wonder if we could plant a DNA sample for her. I'd be willing to bet you couldn't even recognise the donor from what she creates.
Posted by Sebastian on 05/14/13 at 05:16 PM
I would bet that the sculptures are pretty far off in most cases. I don't think you can determine a lot of growth features (i.e nose size, eyebrow size, lip size etc.) from DNA. You can pretty much do what sketch artist already do and make generalizations based on their race. Although a sketch artist needs an eye witness and sculptures from DNA do not.
Also, I'm having trouble logging in. The link below throws the following error:
"URI beginning with string /member/ forbidden"
I couldn't find a log in elsewhere.
Also, I'm having trouble logging in. The link below throws the following error:
"URI beginning with string /member/ forbidden"
I couldn't find a log in elsewhere.
Posted by Pablo on 05/17/13 at 04:05 PM
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.
Category: Art | Face and Facial Expressions