35″ × 35″
Because the Y chromosome caries genetic information through generations of males without exchanging genes with a second Y chromosome (as occurs with all the non-X or Y chromosomes), its genetic sequence changes very slowly. These changes help scientists to trace the migration patterns of humans over thousands of years. One change is called polymorphism, and the Y alu polymorphism sequence of an Italian male is encoded in this quilt. The quilt is made of shot silk, which reflects light differently depending on the orientation of the weave and the viewer. The quilt is pieced to emphasize this quality of the material
