On Thursday 17 November 2022, the Goldenmark showroom in Warsaw will host the opening of an exhibition displaying DNA portraits created from genetic material. The exhibition inaugurates the DNAArt venture, which aims to support the work of the Foundation for Research and Science Development on the 3D bionic pancreas project that will revolutionise the treatment of diabetes.

The exhibition will feature 8 unique DNA portraits. The portrayed people deal with science, art, culture and business, as well as social issues: Prof. Michał Wszoła, Jerzy Owsiak, Prof. Wiesław Łuczaj, Tadeusz Mysłowski, Robert Szaj, Anna Ossowska, Dr Katrina Sadrak and Maciej Łysiak.

DNAArt is the first and unique combination of art and science on the Polish market. The very nature of the project is innovative, but 13 years of experience in conducting advanced research projects of the Foundation for Research and Development of Science, as well as 25 years of experience of the team of scientists and patented laboratory technology are behind it.

With patented know-how, the scientists at the Foundation for Research and Development of Science visualise DNA to create artistic, one-of-a-kind portraits – a most unique art form. In this way, they are trying to raise funds to continue research into the 3D bionic pancreas. ‘We believe that soon the lives of patients all over the world will be transformed thanks to the organ from the 3D printer,’ emphasises Professor Michał Wszoła, surgeon, transplantologist, scientist-visionary and originator of the bionic pancreas.

How are DNA portraits created?  Scientists in the laboratory of the Foundation for Research and Development of Science isolate DNA material from a collected sample. Then, as a result of high-tech laboratory work, they obtain a graphic representation of the selected genes. This creates an unusual combination of science and art – a unique and one-of-a-kind DNA painting.

Adrian Andrzejewski