record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00058
Thesis Title
Protein Sculptures
Author
Julian Voss-Andreae
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
BFA
Year
2004
Number of Pages
85
University
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Thesis Supervisor
Chris Gander
Supervisor e-mail
Other Supervisor(s)
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Sculpture
Languages Familiar to Author
English, German
URL where full thesis can be found
www.julianvossandreae.com/Work/Thesis/Thesis.pdf
Keywords
Biology, Sculpture, Modernism, Genetics, Proteins, Technology, Biochemistry
Abstract: 200-500 words
The work presented in this thesis paper plays on the sensuality and beauty which underlies sense and being itself. I take a literal look at the foundation of our physical existence by creating sculptures of proteins, the universal parts of the machinery of life. More important for me than accurately copying a molecule in all its details is finding a guiding principle and following it to see whether it yields artistically interesting results. The main idea underlying all my protein sculptures is the analogy between the technique of mitered cuts and protein folding. I feel I am closer to nature if I apply its algorithmic quality than if I just copy its appearance. My work is quite literally algorithmic because I calculate my cuts from scientific protein data using a computer program I wrote. Beside this deterministic side of my work, there is an equally strong intuitive and irrational side, where my pieces stop working as scientific models and become pure art objects. My sculptures offer an emotional experience of a world that is usually accessible only through our intellect.