Bodypaint expert Victoria Gugenheim paints a design of genetic imagery taken from scientific literature on model Jessica Brown, as part of a new piece in the Guardian. The design includes an X chromosome on her leg, and a DNA helix on her torso with the visualization of the BRCA1 gene, linked to breast cancer.

Gugenheim tells Guardian how this imagery reflects their concerns about genetic threats like cancer, and hot-button issues like gene patenting:
[Gugenheim and Brown] had a shared interest in science, and in particular the ongoing saga over the BRCA1 gene, mutations in which increase the risk of breast cancer. Gene testing empowered Angelina Jolie to make her recent high-profile decision to undergo a double-mastectomy; but such testing is expensive, and the test has been patented by Myriad Genetics who maintain a monopoly in the United States – the subject of an ongoing battle in the US Supreme Court.

Gugenheim is a strong supporter of the idea that information should be as freely available as possible. "I'd like genetics to be open source. I don't think we should be patenting genes. The idea of being born and being in copyright infringement is very sinister."

View more images at Victoria Gugenheim, via the Guardian