Dino DNA is a series of digital animations that loop inside physical displays. Fossilized amber specimens from the Cretaceous Period (66 - 100 million years ago) contain insects with preserved dinosaur DNA. The dinosaur’s digital existence unlocks when the NFT is purchased. Each piece is a single, 1/1 edition. Sold out. View the collection on OpenSea.
Software used: Cinema4D, After Effects, Photoshop
Physical display: Infinite Objects lucite acrylic frame with 7” LCD screen
#01 PTERANODON
This rare amber fossil is 79 million years old, and contains the oldest known mosquito, with anatomy similar to the modern species, Paleoculicis minutus.
Preserved blood extracted from this mosquito contains the DNA of a Pteranodon, whose digital existence unlocks when purchased.
The Pteranodon is technically not a dinosaur, but a genus of extinct, giant flying reptiles called pterosaurs. They lived on the cliffs and coastal areas beside the oceans covering present-day Kansas during the Late Cretaceous. The history between this mosquito and the Pteranodon is unknown, but we can guess they crossed paths while feeding on fish or other marine life.
#03 Triceratops
This rare cherry amber fossil contains the oldest known record of the Passalidae Beetle, commonly called, “bess beetle.” Bess beetles lay their eggs in poop and live in rotting logs and stumps, so it’s no wonder this one found itself trapped inside tree resin 75 million years ago.
Preserved blood from dinosaur excrement extracted from this beetle contains the DNA of a Triceratops, whose digital existence unlocks when purchased.
It was found in Alberta, Canada, where Triceratops roamed lush dinosaur forests during the Cretaceous Period. Reddish-brown amber gets its color from oxidation, so it’s likely this fossil was exposed to long-lasting contact with the air before taking on an intense color.
