Johannes Blank and Shaila C. Rössle

Peptomics extracts words out of proteins. Peptomics converts the alphabetic protein code used in modern science with its specific biological function into artistic, magic signs. The fact that proteins in cells have a 3-dimensional (3D) structure and are defined by a sequence of letters allows us to see, touch and finally absorb words in a new way. Peptomics creates relationships between words and biological systems. Here we describe the process, called molecular word modelling. This process can be used for the identification of a word inside a protein, the creation of a 3D sign system, the visualization of words as sculptures and the creation of eatable word pills.

Johannes Blank is a German New Media artist who studied Media art in Leipzig and has been working in electronic media since about 1997. He has numerous European installations and exhibitions to his credit, and was awarded the 2000 Silver Award in the “Art on the Net” exhibition at the Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts, Tokyo, 2003 Participation at Ars Electronica/Category Net Excellence/Net Vision. Apart from his artistic work he is founder of the international UAMO art festival (www.uamo.info) and the Design Agency Treibstoff (www.treib-stoff.com).

www.peptomics.org