week 8: NanoTech + Art

As Gimzewski and Vesna beautifully explain in their article, the recently developed science of nano-materials and nano-technology is in fact a shift of paradigm which changes “our perception of reality from a purely visual culture to one based on sensing and connectivity.” Therefore, this new science needs visualization, interpretation, and a narrative to illustrate “what is sensed and not seen”. And, this is exactly where art and nanotechnology converge.

So, art makes nano-tech easier to understand, and nanotechnologies have resulted in creation of nano-art. In 2003, an exhibition at LACMA which was focused on confluence of art and atoms allowed visitors to experience nano-scale by sensing. Viewers could use their hands to feel atomic properties such as repulsion and attraction, or to feel what it's like to manipulate atoms one by one. On the other hand, many artists have taken advantage of nanotechnologies to create their artworks. For example, nano-materials and nano-tech have been a source of inspiration for this California-based artist and scientist, Christian Orfescu. In addition to aesthetic aspects of his work, he also uses his art to inform people about the new technologies of the 21st Century.

Black Eye NanoOctopus| The artist created a nano-sculpture by hydrolyzing a tiny drop of a titanium organometallic compound coated with gold. The image is visualized with a Scanning Electron Microscope.<https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/>.

Nebula of Man| This picture, made of layers of nano images, shows the profound impact of the nano world on our macro lives, our planet, and our universe.<https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/>.

Nanotechnology does not only influence art and artists but it penetrates into many sectors of our society. For example, food companies today are developing nanomaterials that impact the health benefits of foods. Some clothing manufacturers are making water and stain repellent clothing using nano-sized whiskers in the fabric. And, medical professionals and researchers are developing nanoparticles that can deliver drugs directly to diseased cells in your body. So, manipulation of atoms on a very small scale creates numerous opportunities in many fields. However, scientists, artists, and other experts should carefully take the steps in exploring the benefits of nanotechnologies to ensure a safe and smooth transition of our society a new one.

Drug delivery using nano-robots
<http://medicalfuturist.com/getting-smaller-and-smarter-nanotechnology-in-healthcare/>.

Sources

1. Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. "The nanoneme syndrome: Blurring of fact and fiction in the construction of a new science." Technoetic arts 1.1 (2003): 7-24.

2. Feder, Barnaby J. "The Art of Nanotech." The New York Times. The New York Times, 25 Jan. 2008. Web. 25 May 2017. <https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/>.

3. Lovgren, Stefan. "Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?" National Geographic. N.p., 23 Dec. 2003. Web. 25 May 2017. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html>.

4. "Nanotechnology Applications: A Variety of Uses." UnderstandingNano. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2017. <http://www.understandingnano.com/nanotech-applications.html>.

5. "Nanotechnology in Healthcare: Getting Smaller and Smarter." The Medical Futurist. N.p., 15 Dec. 2016. Web. 25 May 2017. <http://medicalfuturist.com/getting-smaller-and-smarter-nanotechnology-in-healthcare/>.