NBC News Working at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Artist Diemut Strebe made the replica of van Goh’s ear using living cells from Lieuwe van Gogh, the great-great-grandson of Vincent’s brother Theo.
“I use science basically like a type of brush, like Vincent used paint,” Strebe told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Tuesday.
Work is underway with a female relative to include mitochondrial DNA — passed down the mother’s line — for future installations.
The ear is exhibited at the The Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe. Visitors can speak into the ear through a microphone until July 6 when the ear plans ot move to the uS for further exhibitions. .