ORIGIN(AL)S SERIES (2025-present)
Origin(al)s explores DNA’s central role in life and death, and the paradox it reveals about both individuality and our shared humanity.
“As humans, we share 99.9% of the same DNA with every other person on the planet—regardless of gender, race, geography, appearance, or belief. Yet the remaining fraction is what makes each of us entirely unique, unlike anyone who has ever lived or will ever exist. This paradox drives my questions: Why is it so hard for us to coexist? And why do we struggle to be our authentic selves?” —Maren Brown
In this series, Brown explores the complicated history of DNA’s discovery, and its use in medicine, archaeology, and other fields.
Origin(al)s: Discovery, Egg Tempera and Gold Leaf on Panel. 2025. Unframed size: 36" L x 24" W. Maren Brown. artist.
Origin(al)s: Finding Ourselves, Egg Tempera and Gold Leaf on panel, 2025. Unframed size: 36" L x 24" W. Maren Brown. artist.
Origin(al)s: Ancestors, Egg Tempera and Gold Leaf on Panel. 2025. Unframed size: 36" L x 24" W. Maren Brown. artist. Photo credit: Jim Gipe, Pivot Media.
Origin(al)s: Remains, 2025
Egg Tempera on Panel
36 × 24 × 2 in. Exhibited in show Delicate Balance at Galatea Fine Arts, Feb. 5-Mar. 1, 2026. Juror: Rachael Passannante, Assistant Director and Collections Manager, Danforth Art Museum.
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