OUR INHERITED SHADOW

SUSIE SON, Artist

Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Graduate

RAY TRUANT, Ph.D., Researcher

Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences

We are like birds in a cage. Flightless, imprisoned, and bound. Held down by the weight of our identity and enslaved by the fate written in the fabric of our DNA. We are held captive by a phenomenon we call "genetic inheritance”. Although one in being, our existence is defined by the product of two others. Regardless of our decision, we are given a set of traits, personalities, skills, strengths, and weaknesses selected amongst the genes of the generations that preceded us. As much as we are blessed by the beauty, knowledge, and talents that we inherit, we are also cursed by the unwanted mutations, diseases, and disabilities that come with it. Genetic inheritance is like our shadow - dark, omnipresent, and an entity that will forever remain a part of us.

18” x 24”

DIGITAL PAINTING