Happy Birthday DNA consists of 52 taxidermied white lab mice. Each mouse stands on its hind legs and carries a birthday candle. A touch sensor activates a digital circuit, triggering the mice to sing Happy Birthday. This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the discovery of the building blocks of DNA by Watson and Crick, which revolutionized biology and now has far reaching implications in genetics, medicine and bioengineering. While the piece maintains a humorous quality, the mice themselves call attention to the current discussion of manipulation of species and life.

Seema Goel is an artist and writer from Regina, Saskatchewan. She holds a B.Sc. in biology from McGill, an Associates Arts Degree in fine arts from OCAD, and an MFA in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is currently a sessional lecturer at the University of Regina and Guest Curator at the Mackenzie Art Gallery.