DNA 11 - DNA Portrait
Looking for a truly unique work of art that expresses exactly who you are? Why not be the centre of your own art piece with a portrait of your genetic make-up.
DNA 11 is an Ottawa, Ontario, Canada based company that combines the science of DNA coding with art to create a customized portrait of the stuff that makes you, uniquely you.
Founders, Nazim Ahmed and Adrian Salamunovic began DNA 11 in 2005 with a love for art and a passion for business. Salamunovic (aka design guy) spent a decade in business technology, specializing in high-tech marketing and design. Ahmed (aka biotech guy) has a degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Western Ontario and has worked for various leaders in the biotechnology field.
DNA art, which can be completely personalized, is available in numerous colour combinations, sizes and framing. If DNA isn’t your thing, you can also turn your fingerprint or lip imprint into a portrait. Commissioning your portrait starts with a DNA collection kit that allows you to swab the inside of your cheek to collect a cell sample which is then sent to a lab where the genome sequence is analyzed. DNA 11 then adds your colour specifications to the sequence, and transfers it to your chosen canvas or mini portrait frame. If you really want to go for it, you can choose the couple or family DNA portrait option which includes the DNA of your spouse, whole family, and even your pets!
DNA 11 has become popular worldwide and has been featured on CSI: New York, the Today Show, HGTV, BBC, MSNBC, CBC, Fashion TV, GQ, DWELL, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. DNA portraits are endorsed by The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) who also sell the products in their museum stores and online.
All hype and prestige aside, I briefly wondered “is this really art? – Yes, I replied to myself”. I’ve seen lips (Andy Warhol) and thumbprints transformed into wall art, and abstracts (Mark Rothko comes to mind) that bears resemblance to the DNA portraits. I’m not claiming that DNA 11’s art are masterpieces, but like any artist’s creation, they are highly personal and perhaps, one of a few chances many will ever have, to participate in the creation of something that is meaningful and symbolic to them – an ultimate self–portrait.
For more information visit DNA11.com