From Charles Darwin to Dolly, the cloned sheep, scientists have made a lot of progress in DNA research in the last 138 years. While some remain apprehensive about the extent of modern scientific capabilities, few can deny their impact.

Or at least this is true for photographer Carrie Mae Weems.

In "The Jefferson Suite," one of the latest exhibits to reach the Palmer Museum of Art, Weems confronts the issues surrounding the advent of biotechnology.

The exhibit, which is part of a trilogy of fabric suites produced by the artist since 1998, consists of 17 muslin banners that each depict a range of images relating to the issues that have arisen out of advancements in DNA technology.

Selected programs and events related to "The Jefferson Suite" Monday: The Distinguished Speakers Series presents J. Craig Venter, the first scientist to read the entire genetic code of a living organism, at 8 p.m. in Schwab Auditorium. March 29: Gallery talk by Joyce Robinson, curator, as well as a dance performance by the Pennsylvania Dance Theatre at 7:30 p.m. April 1: Lecture by Carrie Mae Weems, artist, at 7:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. April 10: At 7:30 p.m., a lecture, "The Artful Human Genome: Perils and Promises," will be given by Kathryn Peters from the department of bio-behavioral health.

"I think it's absolutely brilliant," said Brian Spies, a student of Lycoming College in Williamsport who came to Penn State with other members of his Digital Imagery Class to view the exhibit.

"The exhibit is a social narrative, really. It says 'this is it, now — how we got here.' She (Weems) is trying to lay it all out there for us but she does it in a way without being judgmental."

Upon entering the exhibit, the viewer is presented with four black-and-white images of the human body, each containing one of the letters "ATGC," which represent the chemical components of DNA.

The rest of the exhibit is a display of images that hangs from the ceiling of the dimly lit room in a maze-like fashion.

The photos range from the image of a child playing with a gibbon to a picture of Timothy Wilson Spencer, the first person in the United States to be convicted of a crime through DNA testing.

"I think the best part about this exhibit is that you can come here and actually spend time pondering the issues that are presented," said Robin Seymour, coordinator of membership and public relations for the Palmer Museum of Art.

"These images aren't just pretty pictures to look at. They raise questions, but ultimately Weems leaves it up to the viewers to make up their minds about the negative or positive aspects of DNA research."

The end of the display presents a juxtaposition of two images taken by Weems herself. One picture is an enactment of Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky, the other portrays Thomas Jefferson's affair with his slave and mistress, Sally Hemings; thus the title of the exhibit is more clearly understood.

A spoken-word narrative written by Weems, entitled "Let the Record Show," provides a backdrop to the exhibit, as does an original music score by composer James Newton.

Each piece takes its turn providing further expression of the artist's messages.

The exhibit is presented in conjunction with several other related events to take place on campus, including a lecture that will be given by Weems on April 1 at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center, sponsored by several organizations on campus.

"I think the support we've gotten by so many different groups around campus is another reason this exhibit is so important," said Seymour. "Weems is one of the most significant African-American artists today and given the support we've gotten, it's obvious that her work is relevant to a wide range of people."

The exhibit is running until June 9.