PE / PPE protein complex from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mike Strong

Description of Image:

(2006) Acrylic Paint on Canvas; 96” x 32” 

This painting of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE/PPE protein complex, which is roughly 8 feet tall, is 240 million times the size of the actual protein complex, and is colored according to the surface properties of the complex.  Hydrophobic regions are painted in red and orange, while hydrophilic regions are painted in blue and green.  Inspired by artists ranging from Irving Geis to Henri Matisse, I strive to better understand and interpret the wonders of the molecular world through both my research and my art.