heather dewey-hagborg creates three-dimensional portraits using DNA samplesimage © dan phiffer

through an un-usual DNA collection method, american artist heather dewey-hagborg creates portrait sculptures from the analyses of genetic material collected in public places. from cigarette butts to hair samples, she works using random traces left behind from un-suspecting strangers. in a statement by dewey-hagborg, ‘stranger visions’ calls attention to the impulse toward genetic determinism and the potential for a culture of genetic surveillance. using DNA facial modeling software and a 3D printer, physical models are conceived – reconstructed from ethnic profiles, eye color and hair color.

three-dimensional portrait from DNA sampleimage © dan phiffer

three dimensional figures conceived from DNA gathered on githubimages courtesy heather dewey-hagborg

process showcasedimage © dan phiffer

process showcasedimage © dan phiffer

DNA hair sample collection at siteimage © thomas dexter

petri dish DNA samplesimage courtesy heather dewey-hagborg

(left) bushwick – adonis grocery, 209 wilson ave, (right) DNA sample from haplogroup: H1+16189 (spanish, berber, lebanese) sample 10images courtesy heather dewey-hagborg

(left) bushwick – laundromat, himrod st, (right) DNA sample from haplogroup: H2a2a (eastern europe, near east) sample 12images courtesy heather dewey-hagborg

(left) sample 10, (right) sample 12images courtesy heather dewey-hagborg

heather dewey-hagborg with 3D headimage courtesy heather dewey-hagborg