Protein Sculptures: ‘Angel of the West’

Protein Sculptures: 'Angel of the West'

Angel of the West

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Julian Voss-Andreae Angel of the West (detail), 2008 Stainless steel, 12' x 12' x 4' (3.70 x 3.70 x 1.20 m). Location: The Scripps Research Institute (Jupiter, FL)

“Angel of the West” is inspired by the structure of the human immune system’s key molecule, the antibody. Like tiny guardian angels, legions of antibodies constantly protect us from illness and disease. The sculpture plays on the striking similarity of both proportion and function of the antibody molecule to the human body. A stylized representation of the antibody molecule is surrounded by a ring evocative of Leonardo’s Renaissance icon “Vitruvian Man” (1490). Commissioned as the signature piece for the new Florida campus of the prestigious Scripps Institute, the sculpture symbolizes the application of Western science to the art of healing.

This TV piece covers the creation of the “Angel of the West” (2008):

Read more:
Julian Voss-Andreae: Unraveling Life’s Building Blocks: Sculpture Inspired by Proteins, Leonardo 46 1 (2013) pdf Sculptor mixes physics, art in his creation for Scripps, Sun Sentinel (March 11, 2009) pdf New Sculpture Portraying Human Antibody as Protective Angel Installed on Scripps Florida Campus, ArtDaily (October 23, 2008) link Julian Voss-Andreae: Proposal “Angel of the West” for The Scripps Institute (2005) pdf 5 thoughts on “Protein Sculptures: ‘Angel of the West’” Pingback: Bioquímica y escultura (II): la medusa de acero | SCIENTI Pingback: Bioquímica y escultura (II): la medusa de acero | ONG AFRICANDO SOLIDARIDAD CON AFRICA Pingback: Biotecnología y Arte: Entrelazamientos – Biotekis Pingback: Biotecnología y Arte: Entrelazamientos | SCIENTIA Pingback: BioArt : Julian Voss-Andreae Materialises Molecules with Metal

5 thoughts on “Protein Sculptures: ‘Angel of the West’”

Pingback: Bioquímica y escultura (II): la medusa de acero | SCIENTIA
Pingback: Bioquímica y escultura (II): la medusa de acero | ONG AFRICANDO SOLIDARIDAD CON AFRICA
Pingback: Biotecnología y Arte: Entrelazamientos – Biotekis
Pingback: Biotecnología y Arte: Entrelazamientos | SCIENTIA
Pingback: BioArt : Julian Voss-Andreae Materialises Molecules with Metal