Hemoglobine

 

Heart of Steel (Hemoglobin), 2005

Julian Voss-Andreae

 Weathering steel and glass (1.60 m)

Location: 1st Street/”A” Avenue, City of Lake Oswego, Ore.

 

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Heart of Steel (Hemoglobin) was inspired by the structure of human hemoglobin, the red oxygen carrying molecule in our blood.

Blood gets its red color through oxygen binding to iron atoms in the hemoglobin molecule, the chemical basis of breathing.

The same chemical reaction occurs as Heart of Steel is exposed to the elements: the weathering steel covers itself with an oxide layer preventing it from further corrosion.

The intricately shaped steel piece contains a large red glass sphere in its center.

Due to its complex structure, the piece reacts sensitively to wind and touch, answering each push with an unexpected shiver.