SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.- The Henry Art Gallery presents "Gene(sis)" on view through August 25, 2002. In 2000, The Human Genome Project, a public consortium, and Celera Genomics, a private company, jointly announced the completion of a rough draft of the human genome, the molecular blueprint of a human being. Ever since, debates over DNA ownership and personal privacy, therapeutic and reproductive cloning, the future of science as a private venture or public endeavor and the introduction of new plant and animal life forms continue to dominate headlines.



From digitally-altered photographs of "manimals" and artistic explorations of other transgenic beings, to DNA portraits and abstract "gene-mapping" paintings, Gene(sis): Contemporary Art Explores Human Genomics explores the potential social, emotional and ethical implications of one of the most compelling subjects of our times. Organized by the Henry Art Gallery and curated by Assistant Curator Robin Held, Gene(sis) is the most extensive exhibition to date to consider these issues from artistic perspectives. The exhibition functions as a catalyst for a robust schedule of public programs organized throughout the Puget Sound region by the Henry Art Gallery and its community partners.