MOOT Innovators : Art meets science

Nazim Ahmed and Adrian Salamunovic, source: Forbes

Ever seen these canvases with images of DNA used as art? Did you know these internationally known pieces were invented by two Ottawans? (I didn't) Nazim Ahmed, who used to sell equipment that records images of DNA, and Adrian Salamunovic, specializing in high-tech marketing and design, got together one day and started dna 11 after realizing that DNA imaging could be sold as art. What make these pieces truly unique is the fact that each DNA portrait are true images of people's DNA. Not to mention the  fact that science is used to create art. Soon after they started in 2005, they got commissioned by Absolut Vodka, after the Absolut Vodka rep happened to be walking by while they were discussing their project to create a piece for them which was showcased at the then Helsinki Lounge in the market. Talk about being at the right place at the right time!

Commission piece at Helsinkin Lounge, source: Mocoloco

Soon after their piece was showcased at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and is now sold all over the world in over 50 countries. 

The process is simple. You get a DNA collection kit to collect a cheek cell swab and send it back to their lab. At the lab, they extract your DNA's image and destroy your DNA sample. Your DNA's image is then enhanced and customized (there's over 1 million colors to choose from), printed on a canvas and sent to you.

dna 11 has expanded their line to create art made out of finger prints and lipstick prints as well.

dna 11's products have been showcased on many television shows including CSI and Candice Olson's Divine Design and the Designer Guys. There's even a company in the UK that started copying them (I wonder if they know), but they're definitely not as nice as the ones from Ottawa.  Now that's a success story. Way to go! I wonder what's next for them?