Michael Mapes recreated some of the Dutch Masters' most famous portraits.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
Michael Mapes recreated some of the Dutch Masters' most famous portraits.
Michael Mapes
Instead of using paint, Mapes uses photographs, sequins, insect pins, vials and more to piece together Bartholomeus van der Helst's 1668 portrait of Geertruida den Dubbelde.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
Instead of using paint, Mapes uses photographs, sequins, insect pins, vials and more to piece together Bartholomeus van der Helst's 1668 portrait of Geertruida den Dubbelde.
Michael Mapes
He calls these items "biographical DNA."
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
He calls these items "biographical DNA."
Michael Mapes
Mapes considers each subject as a collection of individual parts.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
Mapes considers each subject as a collection of individual parts.
Michael Mapes
Each individual specimen is pinned to foam.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
Each individual specimen is pinned to foam.
Michael Mapes
These multi-medium collages look like the work of an obsessed detective piecing together a mystery.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
These multi-medium collages look like the work of an obsessed detective piecing together a mystery.
Michael Mapes
Mapes began these portrait series by using subjects he actually knows.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
Mapes began these portrait series by using subjects he actually knows.
Michael Mapes
This made it easier to gather his biological DNA.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
This made it easier to gather his biological DNA.
Michael Mapes
In a way, these individual parts help to craft a richer narrative about the subjects of these portraits.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
In a way, these individual parts help to craft a richer narrative about the subjects of these portraits.
Michael Mapes
Mapes considers his reworked portraits as an artistic reexamination.
Pictures made of 'biographical DNA' —
Mapes considers his reworked portraits as an artistic reexamination.
Michael Mapes