DNA GENESIS

Finishing his works with a bespoke display that contains the scientific signature of his subject in the form of their DNA, the conscionable methodology of Matthew Penn’s hyper-realistic practise draws parallels with the aging process of the human body.

Applying each layer of paint onto his canvas in such a manner that it effortlessly marries with the next, the artist builds a picture of the subject in much the same way DNA passes on information to a successive generation of cells. Mirroring the body’s own cycle of growth, the artist re-imagines the human form as a series of genetic information which he then translates into individual layers of oil paint.

Installed aside the work within a specially designed capsule the DNA, which has brought life to both the subject and Penn’s painting, will long outlive the work itself and possibly provide a genesis for future scientific discoveries.