Tapestry; Essence

Cambridge Rare Disease Network - RAREfest24 | Tapestry; Essence 1

Tapestry; Essence

In these 2 paintings, Irene embarks on a profound exploration of womanhood within the context of an ever-evolving world, delving into the intricate relationship between our identities and our genetic makeup.

The artwork serves as a visual representation of the DDX3X gene deletions or alterations that contribute to learning difficulties in women.

Through her art, Irene captures the complexity of the sequencing process, where various DNA strands are tagged with fluorescents, symbolising the intricate patterns of our genetic composition. The colours adorning the canvas are drawn from the hues used in the sequencing procedure, adding layers of depthThese paintings invite viewers to contemplate the profound question of self-discovery and identity formation, particularly in the face of the overwhelming complexity of our modern world.

Irene skillfully navigates this exploration, offering viewers a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of womanhood and the quest to understand the essence of our being.

Cambridge Rare Disease Network - RAREfest24 | Tapestry; Essence 2
Cambridge Rare Disease Network - RAREfest24 | Tapestry; Essence 3

Artist – Irene Ruby

Irene Ruby is a multidisciplinary artist who delves into complicated concepts through her work. Within Irene’s art, recurring themes of feminism, belonging, and personal growth emerge, reflecting her deep-seated values.

Her dedication to social and environmental causes is evident in her artwork, often serving as a platform to address these issues.

Scientist – Dr Elizabeth Radford

Paediatric Academic Clinical Fellow, University of Cambridge

Elizabeth performs massive cellular screens to test the effects of thousands of genetic variants in genes associated with rare conditions. She aims to improve the diagnosis of these rare conditions by improving our understanding of genetic variation.