Chromosomatic is a 2023 sculpture by Rachel Rein consisting of 23 translucent lanterns representing the 23 pairs of chromosomes comprising human DNA. Each lantern houses individually addressable LED lights. A custom Python script translates Rein's DNA research data into bands of light. Each time Chromosomatic pulses on, it shows a representation of the DNA shared between the artist's mother and someone in the world who was curious enough to take a DNA test and open enough to consent to matching with other people. Chromosomatic is a portrait built from genetic connections. Rein describes it as a conversation.
Chromosomatic showed on the playa
at Burning Man 2023.
See all 2023 art listings.
Chromosomatic showed at
the Madelyn Helling Library in California
for the entirety of April through July 2023.
Chromosomatic debuted at the
Garage Door Gallery in
Incline Village, Nevada in January 2023.
I am grateful to have had so much support. Thanks to my mother, her brothers, my father, and many other family members for taking DNA tests as a favor to me.
Thanks to Max Denton for original Python code, 3D modeling, electrical component manufacture, soldering, and math double-checking.
Thanks to Matthew Rehrer for Wi-Fi router configuration and logistics assistance.
Thanks to Roman de Salvo for a beautifully crafted custom wooden shelf. Thanks to Dom Jackson for a beautifully crafted custom wooden base.
Chromosomatic was created on unceded Nisenan (or Nishenam) land. It has been shown on Nisenan, Washoe (or Wá∙šiw/Washo), and Paiute lands.