This painting illustrates the biotechnology CRISPR/Cas9, which has often been described as “molecular scissors” and has incredibly powerful implications for the future. I was interested in the fact that while we now literally have the power to alter DNA, the seemingly permanent stuff that codes who we are, our upbringing and preconceived notions are so much harder to change. Human beings are over 99% identical genetically. Yet the smallest differences in race and culture seem to be sufficient in dividing us. It is a reminder of the unity of human life and serve as a warning to the fragility of that unity.

This piece represents my complicated relationship with my own family tree. I map the transmission of Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder which runs in my family and affects my brother. I continue to weigh this fact into how I see myself, my place in my family, and my role in the world.

This piece is a self-portrait in many ways, and is also a love letter to the people whose sacrifices I am a product of.