Base Pair consists of a configuration of holes and display marks made by the alternate hang and removal of two canvases, one 28.5 x 18.6 cm and the smaller 23 x 12.7 cm. A pattern is built up by the display and overlap of subsequent alternate canvases. Progressing from left to right, I use my eye-line 63” at the centre to build up a composition of holes and pencil marks familiar to the display and subsequent removal of works on canvas. Using my eye-line to refer back to myself, I show both the universality and singularity of our genetic make-up. This also reveals parallels with the universality of display, which seeks the most prominent position to be viewed, where a generalised height is often used. The work is therefore placed in a fairly prominent position so that it may be hidden in plain sight.

 

The title Base Pair relates to DNA structure. Built from two interlocking and overlapping canvases, this work mirrors the Double Helix pattern of DNA in both form and structure. It is however, not a literal drawing of the Double Helix but an open interpretation. The Base Pair are the bonds of the Double Helix holding the two strands together.  I am exploring the idea of the structural element becoming the main focus, rather than just peripheral and functional. DNA is both universal and specific, as the structure of life on earth. As the building blocks for life it is also both extremely personal and specific whilst simultaneously generic, spanning all life on earth. As the display marks of very different work may look similar, so creatures underpinned by a close DNA structure may have a wildly different appearance.