If you've watched CSI then you know that most criminals would get away with it if it weren't for the pesky DNA. Our DNA contains troves of data waiting to be mined by those with the right analytical tools. And Stranger Visions is exploring the startling potential of readily available software to build DNA profiles with ease. Using strands of hair found at random in New York Heather Dewey-Hagborg creates facial busts of strangers based on what the DNA analysis reveals, like some creepy genetic stalker.

Dewey-Hagborg used an openly accessile database which lists which regions of DNA code for certain traits and a morphable model of a 3D face. By working in collaboration with New Yorks Biohacking hub Genspace she availed of their open source protocols for extracting DNA from hair, and created eerie 3D facial facsimiles of total strangers.

Dewey-Hagborg also created a bust of herself, which (thankfully!) reveals general resemblances. This reflects the broad brushstrokes of identity which the present genetic database is capable of representing. For now we can worry less about 'Gattaca'-style futures and instead look forward to the day when DNA caricature robots take their place among the other artists capable of sketching our personalities