Genetic Sequence Results from Xavier Cortada at The Frost Art Museum

In Genetic Sequence, a part of the exhibition Sequentia, the artist invited museum visitors to randomly select a postcard depicting one of Cortada's four nucleotide paintings and attach it sequentially on the wall in the form of a helix. Once the sequence was completed, it was re-created in the lab with Dr. Kalai Mathee, founding chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of FIU's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. The results will be announced during Target Wednesday After Hours on November 10, 2010 from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The exhibition is on view through January 2, 2011.

Sequentia Xavier Cortada's solo exhibit at the Frost Art Museum opened October 13, 2010 and explores the sequence of events that make up life on the planet from the molecular to the monumental. The title of the exhibit also references a series of actions Cortada will set in motion to create of a unique strand of DNA. The artist will work with a molecular biologist to synthesize an actual DNA strand made from a sequence generated by museum visitors using Cortada's art. In "The Four Nucleotides", the artist creates large scale "portraits" of Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine and Thymine-- the four bases of a DNA strand that summarize all we are, were and will be. Target has teamed up with The Frost Art Museum to sponsor an event series designed to complement The Frost's exhibitions. These events give visitors the chance to meet contemporary artists and engage with controversial art, performance art, live music, talks, films, and dance.

The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. 10975 SW 17th Street, Miami, FL 33199 http://thefrost.fiu.edu or 305.348.2890