The DNA spangled banner claims for the United States of America the historical territory as the origin and center of the creative and entrepreneurial spirit at the technological frontier which led to the development of biotechnology products based on the results of cellular and molecular biology research. Just as Apollo 11 astronauts planted the Stars and Stripes to mark the national technological achievement of the first man on the moon, the DNA and Stripes painting also celebrates American achievements in the scientific exploration of DNA and cells. The measure of great civilizations is their benevolence towards improving human welfare during their time and their legacy to humanity. The USA. of the late 20th century will be remembered as a technological and cultural renaissance period which gave rise to the science and technology, institutions and culture of the DNA society.

Biotechnology will not only lead to a redefinition of the very essence of what is meant by humanity but it will also transform the relationship of humankind to all living things, the planet Earth and our Creator. The association with a powerful symbol of global power and human rights, The DNA and Stripes painting, is meant to symbolize the absolute power of DNA technology to both transform industrial society and to ultimately change the valuation of human life. The human rights expressed in the U.S. Constitution - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness - will all be affected by the realization of and potential misuses of biotechnology techniques. The United States, as the leading nation in the development of DNA and cell technologies also assumes the mantel of trust of humanity to consider the socio-economic and ethical implications of research, scientific and technological development, commodification and commercial exploitation of DNA.

The hard, metallic red, white and blue of the Jacques Deshaies painting are symbolic of the industrial applications of DNA. The soft, flesh-colored contour represents the need for governments, institutions and scientists to make research and commercial decisions in the context of the broader interests of humanity. Taken together, these stark color contrasts mirror the contrasting views on the social impacts of technology between the goal of material progress and the advancement of humanity based on the achievement of higher levels of human spirituality and consciousness. As the creators of new lifeforms, scientists have a moral obligation to humankind to consider the ethical implications of their acts of inquiry and their creations. Jacques Deshaies paints that story as a constant reminder.

by Jock Langford, Environnement Canada - Ottawa - Nov. 1996