DNA used to authenticate fine art and collectibles
LOS ANGELES — Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (ADNAS), a security solutions company whose plant-based DNA security technology detects and deters fakes, counterfeiting, fraud, piracy and product diversion, has entered into a development agreement with Brown Art Gallery, an Ojai-based contemporary art gallery in Southern California, in order to create security technology specifically for fine art and collectibles. Together, under the terms of agreement, these companies will develop a suite of fine art security solutions.
“We are pleased to be working with the Brown Art Gallery to develop definitive solutions addressing a major concern in the art world–the protection of art assets,” says Adrian Butash, executive vice president of ADNAS. “For the first time in history, a botanical DNA security marker in both the art object and its provenance documentation enables the art and its essential authentication documents to be irrevocably linked together in a scientifically foolproof match-up. DNA’s certitude in authenticating an art object and its documentation through forensic science makes it the absolute standard in art protection.”
Frederick Schmid, director of Brown Art Gallery and a licensed insurance broker for the art world, agrees that DNA’s certitude in authentication, tracking and documentation provides the basis for a better risk-management equation for art insurance. “The Brown Art Gallery has artworks constantly in motion, for exhibition and sale, and reliable asset tracking and security can be a major challenge,” Schmid says. “Applied DNA Sciences’ technology provides a new opportunity for enhanced solutions for both artists and museums.”
The patented DNA security technology is versatile, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into ink, paper, paint, thread, canvas and holograms, as well as electronic devices, including a DNA microchip “smart card.” ADNAS is developing and will be implementing DNA security for every art discipline, including painting, sculpture, photography and works on paper.
Currently, the Brown Art Gallery has been testing the technology with oils, acrylics and watercolors. Once the systems have been completely tested, the gallery will more onto papers used to produce prints, as well as all materials used in sculpture, including ceramic. Schmid says, “We feel confident that the application of DNA can be used in all materials.”
Butash explains, “Our proprietary technology starts with a plant DNA genome ’snippet’ that is selected as the encryption code or sequence. The DNA is encapsulated (protected), enabling it to survive for hundreds of years. To read the encrypted DNA ‘code,’ the DNA material must be ‘unlocked’ and decoded via a proprietary process. This entire encapsulation/de-encapsulation process is patented.”
Once systems are set in place, the DNA and detection methods will be sold to clients. But for now, the pricing is “confidential” and “nominal” in comparison to the value of the artworks,” says Butash, adding that the technology does not interfere with the artistic process in any way.
He continues, “The DNA can be easily mixed into a paint, ink or varnish at our laboratory. Additionally, it can be added to the very paper or even canvas (via DNA thread) that the artist uses. However, it can be affixed to the finished work of art or sculpture in any number of ways. And, the corresponding documentation will also contain the identical DNA–thus providing an absolute link between the artwork and its documentation.”
American Impressionist painter and owner of the Brown Art Gallery, James-Paul Brown, says, “It gives me a feeling of great confidence that my art, which includes oils, watercolors and prints, will be protected and authenticated for hundreds of years by Applied DNA’s advanced security technology.” For the artist, his limited edition prints, the paper on which they are printed, the paint, as well as the pen or pencil used to sign the editions, will all have a specific covert DNA encryption.
An accomplished artist, Brown has been commissioned by CBS Sports to capture the World Games in Canada; he was commissioned by NBC to paint the Wimbledon Championships; and he has been commissioned by Hewlett-Packard to paint the Monaco Grand Prix.
ADNAS is in discussions with several major museums across the United States and plans on developing programs over the next year with these major art institutions. The company’s partner in China, Biowell Technologies, Inc., who actually developed the DNA security technology, has several art programs put into place, including an ink stamp with one of the most important artists in all of China–Madam Xiao Shu Fang.
“DNA is a forensic science, the highest level of authenticity and assurance, as it is based on the scientific identity of the DNA,” Butash says. “All or most other security measures can be imitated, mimicked or copied, but it is impossible to do that with our encrypted and encapsulated DNA.”