Chronogenics is more than a photographic exploration; it is grounded in real, biological processes that shape our identities across generations. This section offers a closer look at the genetic, psychological, and sociological principles that inspired the project.

The DNA Legacy Each individual inherits approximately 50% of their DNA from each parent. While this fact is often simplified in educational contexts, the expression of genetic traits is far more complex: many features are polygenic, shaped by the interaction of dozens or even hundreds of genes. Some traits skip generations or are influenced by environmental factors that affect gene expression (epigenetics). This biological layering mirrors the visual layering seen in the blended portraits of Chronogenics.

Interestingly, research has shown that daughters tend to resemble their fathers slightly more than their mothers in early childhood, a trait that might have evolved to promote paternal bonding. A 2001 study published in Evolution and Human Behavior suggested that this visual resemblance enhances the father's recognition and care, reinforcing the evolutionary imperative to protect one's offspring.

Epigenetics and Experience Genetic inheritance is not static. Epigenetic studies demonstrate how trauma, environment, and lifestyle can influence gene expression across generations. For instance, children of parents who endured famine or conflict often carry biological markers of those experiences. These invisible legacies echo the symbolic layering of faces in the images: we inherit not just eye color or bone structure, but stories written in molecules.

Facial Recognition and Kinship Studies have shown that people are generally accurate at identifying family relationships based solely on facial features. A 2007 study from the University of Glasgow found that participants could determine kinship between siblings or between parent and child with 70-80% accuracy from photographs alone. This supports the underlying premise of Chronogenics: that our faces tell stories not just of ourselves, but of where we come from.

Sociology of Parenthood In modern Western societies, parenthood is increasingly viewed through a utilitarian lens, often framed as an obstacle to personal achievement. Particularly among women, societal narratives frequently suggest that to be truly fulfilled, one must delay or forego motherhood. This notion is challenged by data showing that parental relationships, especially those perceived as emotionally rich, are among the most enduring sources of meaning in adult life. Chronogenics invites us to reconsider these narratives.

Final Thoughts The science behind Chronogenics is not intended to explain away the mystery of identity but to complement it. We are formed by an intricate dance of biology and experience, of memory and inheritance. Just as no two portraits in the project are the same, no two genetic legacies are ever truly alike.

Sources

"Facial Resemblance and Paternal Investment: Evidence from Evolutionary Psychology," Evolution and Human Behavior, 2001

"Genetic and Environmental Influences on Facial Resemblance," University of Glasgow, 2007

The Human Genome Project, NIH

"Epigenetics: How Environment Shapes Our Genes," Richard C. Francis

Pew Research Center: Parenting and Fulfillment, 2021