Lynn Fellman | Mitochondrial Eve: Coalescence Point | Original Pigment Print | 2006

Lynn Fellman

The DNA Project is a series of images by Lynn Fellman, inspired by recent genetic research that reveals human ancestry. We share an almost identical genetic code with everyone on earth. Our differences — eye, skin and hair color — are in the small details of how our genes are regulated. As this amazing science story unfolds in the next decades, it will become evident that we are more alike than different. The new data will redefine our understanding of race and identity.

About the science behind the images:
We know more about the development of life and evolution of our species than ever before. The story of human ancestry revealed by science is amazing in its beauty and complexity. Scientists from many fields are collaborating on the research. Bones and tools from archaeology digs combined with ancient climatology corraborate the DNA data. It shows we are all related — to a small group of about 1000 people. Our DNA reveals the geographic location of our ancestors — eastern Africa, 60,000 BCE. Scientists have organized the data into Haplogroups. Your Hap Group shows the genetic migration path and final destination of your ancestors.

The artist’s interpretation:
The artist’s (Lynn) mtDNA lineage is Northern European, Haplogroup H, with a deep ancestry of 15 to 30,000 years. Embedded in the images are Lynn’s Hap Group migration path and ATCG sequence. The work on paper and fabric depict a personal iconography of the real Eve and my interpretation of the ancestral journey. They are new images of creation — illuminating the true story of evolution, our origins and the historical human journey.

Note:
The DNA project has 12 works on paper and six, 7 foot tall silk hangings. The installation includes an explanation of the science behind the images. I have sent just 4 of the images from the project. The images are entirely digital and printed by me on my large format, giclee printer with pigment inks. The paper is 100% rag and the prints are framed using archival methods.