From petri dish to Palette

Art/Sci Research Project | Stanford University | 2024–2025
In collaboration with Jennifer Brophy, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
Funded by the Burt McMurtry Arts Initiative Fund, StanfordArts 

This interdisciplinary project explores the intersection of synthetic biology and art by engineering bacteria into living pigment producers. In collaboration with Stanford Professor Jennifer Brophy, I developed a hands-on workshop that introduced 15 Stanford students, faculty, and staff to the creative potential of fluorescent proteins as a next-generation paint medium.

The Grow-Your-Own Biopigments Workshop, held in October 2024, brought together 15 artists and scientists to explore how synthetic biology can inspire and generate new pigments for artistic practice. Over the course of two weeks, participants engaged in lab-based sessions where they grew bacteria containing fluorescence-producing DNA, extracted fluorescent proteins, and created bio-based paints. These pigments challenge traditional ideas of color production and highlight the potential of biotechnology in sustainable art-making.

The workshop culminated in a public exhibition on November 7, 2024, showcasing original artwork made with these living pigments. Attendees were invited to interact with the pieces under blacklight, activating the proteins’ fluorescent properties and bringing the work literally to life.

The pigments used in this project were derived from chromoproteins which are colored proteins found in a variety of organisms, including plants, animals, insects, and microbes. Thanks to open-source DNA libraries, the genetic sequences encoding these proteins are publicly accessible. Using bioengineering techniques, we inserted these genes into bacteria, effectively turning microbes into miniature “factories” for pigment production.