The DNA Vending Machine is an art installation by Gabe Barcia-Colombo used to raise awareness of our increasing access to biotechnology. 

Vending machines generally sell snacks, beverages or sticks of gum but this vending machine sells human DNA, a small liquid synthesized sample of genetic material.

Each sample comes packaged with a collectable portrait of the human specimen. The project draws comparisons between “blind box” collectible toys and human genetics. “Blind box” toys are sealed limited edition collectible figurines packaged randomly with many variations. DNA vending machine treats human DNA as a collectible material and also brings to light recent legal issues over the ownership of one’s DNA.  The DNA vending machine was featured at the V&A Museum in a show called “What is Luxury”

Artist: Gabriel Barcia-Colombo
Year: 2014
Medium: Interactive installation; modified vending machine
Dimensions: Variable
Location Created: New York, NY
Exhibition History: V&A Museum, Midway Gallery San Francisco, etc
Keywords: bio-art, participatory art, data as souvenir, identity, genetics, interactive installation, video sculpture
Description: An interactive artwork that reimagines the vending machine as a dispenser of identity, offering “DNA souvenirs” to highlight how personal data can be packaged, traded, and memorialized. The piece frames genetic material as a collectible artifact, prompting questions about consent, authorship, and how we commodify the self.