Unraveling Collagen

Julian Voss-Andreae

Description of Image:

(2005) Stainless steel;   24” x 135” x 32”

Location: Orange Memorial Park Sculpture Garden, City of South San Francisco, CA

Detail of image.

“Unraveling Collagen” is based on the structure of collagen, the most abundant protein in humans. PDB coordinates from 1BKV.PDB were used. In this sculpture I placed the initial emphasis on the structural role collagen plays in our bodies. The triangular cut-outs reveal the dominant force lines, reminiscent of contemporary steel construction. Collagen is mostly known for its role in aging: It is responsible for skin elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. During the creation of the piece, I departed from the actual molecular structure and opened up the intertwining helices towards the top, which connects the piece metaphorically with aging.