Deep Ancestry Portrait: Home

Check the calendar for more information about the events. Sign up for Evite messages for upcoming events.

NEXT EVENTS

Programs for students about the science in the art are being developed for Fall. Contact Lynn for more information.

PAST EVENT

What: An Evening with the DNA Portrait Participants

When: Thursday, July 22

Where: UROC

DNA portrait participants and the artist, Lynn Fellman, had a lively discussion about their portrait experience, DNA migration routes, and stories about growing up on the Northside.

Looking for the back story to the exhibit? Wondering about the art and science connection? The project started with an artist and a scientist. Read about it here.

This site showcases art by Lynn Fellman and Fawzia Khan from the exhibit "Ancestry: Celebrating Diversity and Commonality in Community." The art was commissioned to celebrate the opening of UROC and will be on display in the UROC gallery through January 7, 2011.

Although Fellman and Khan work in different media, they have convergent interests in exploring perceptions of identity and ancestry. Their visual themes contrast human differences and similarities, shared lineages yet unique individual DNA — interpreting who we are in new ways.

Fellman's science perspective in portraying Northside community members, combines data from their DNA in their portraits. Khan's installation,"The Other," asks questions about identity and communicates the unique diversity of contemporary America.

More than an art show.

Young people from the Northside were actively involved with Khan and Fellman's work processes:

Fellman mentored two young artists selected by Northside arts organization, Juxtaposition Arts. The students apprenticed with Lynn in her studio throughout the project and developed their own DNA portraits. Their self-portraits are included in the art exhibit.

Khan used the metaphor of hands to teach PICA Head Start preschoolers about the concepts of community and cooperation. The children participated in workshops specially designed by Khan where they created plaster casts of their hands.The end result was an installation titled "Reaching Out".

What is UROC?

The Urban Research and Outreach/ Engagement Center (UROC) is housed in a renovated building in North Minneapolis in the heart of a highly diverse community.

It is currently home to 12 University programs that have committed to pursuing research and outreach in authentic and fully engaged partnership with individuals and organizations in the Northside communities.

Gallery-like walls for art exhibits were designed as an important feature in the new facility. This exhibit is the inaugural show for UROC and on display for the grand opening.