Nanotechnology & Art

 Nanotechnology & Art

Prior to this week’s content, I had no idea what nanotechnology was, let alone how nanotechnology can be used in the artistic world. “Scientists have tried to explain this disparity by comparing the nanometer to the thickness of a human hair: the average thickness of a human hair is —5 x 10-5m, which is (50,000) nm. Or, the little fingernail: around 1 cm across, which is equal to ten million nanometers.” (Gimzewski & Vesna 6)


Nanotechnology, in the scientific context, is described as a science concerned with controlling and manipulating atom/molecule scale matter or the nanoscale. Dr. Jim Gimzewski’s (a nanoscientist at the California Nanoscience Institution), describes nanotechnology in his lecture as a new form of technology that could change the world. Nanotechnology is a term typically used to refer to something very tiny, although its scientific impact would eventually affect many, if not all, aspects of our everyday lives.


“Nanoscience + Engineering Applications” SPIE.org, 14 November 2023, https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/optics-and-photonics/program/conferences/nanoscience--engineering-applications

Nanotechnology is seen as revolutionary due to its ability to significantly impact important issues in society, such as expanding our understanding of healthcare, environmental studies, and technological advancements. “Nanoscience not only requires input from practically every scientific discipline, but it also needs direct and intense collaboration with the humanities and the arts. It is highly probable that this new technology will turn the world, as we know it, upside down, from the bottom up.” (Gimzewski & Vesna 9)


Aside from using nanotechnology for scientific and societal developments, nanotechnology has found use in the artistic world. Nanotechnology offers opportunities for artists to incorporate the nanoscale into their work. Gimzewski highlighted in his lecture that nanoscale crafted objects can be used to create new opportunities for artists, such as new forms of color, chemistry, materials, and techniques.

“The Health Impact of Nanotechnology”, azonano.com, 4 January 2019, https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5113

Aside from using nanotechnology for scientific and societal developments, nanotechnology has found use in the artistic world. Nanotechnology offers opportunities for artists to incorporate the nanoscale into their work. Gimzewski highlighted in his lecture that nanoscale crafted objects can be used to create new opportunities for artists, such as new forms of color, chemistry, materials, and techniques.


For example, artists Vik Muniz and Marcelo Coelho used a technique called “nanoscale ion beam lithography” (which is a form of lithography used to create nanoscale size prints into objects) to etch patterns and designs onto individual grains of sand, creating incredibly small and intricate artworks.


“VIK MUNIZ & MARCELO COELHO - grains and castles”, lowdownmagazine.com, 28 March 2014, http://lodownmagazine.com/pulse/vik-muniz-marcelo-coelho

This innovative technique using nanotechnology allows for artistic expressions that are not visual without the aid of magnification. The use of nanotechnology can hold significant purpose for scientists and researchers, but also for artists and creators.


Sources:


Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for artists.” YouTube, UC Online, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE. Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for artists part 2.” YouTube, UC Online, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEp6t0v-v9c&t=1s. Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for artists part 3.” YouTube, UC Online, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108&t=2s Gimzewski, James K. “Introduction to Nanotechnology for artists part 4.” YouTube, UC Online, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108&t=2s Gimzewski, J., Vesna, V. The Nanomere Syndrome: Blurring of fact & fiction in the construction of a new science. UCLA Art | Sci Center. 2003.





Comments

  1. Jessica SoanJune 2, 2024 at 9:57 PM

    Hey Abby! I really enjoyed ready your post as it gave a great overview of the vast field of nanotechnology and its impact on our society. I mean, prior to diving into this topic, I also had no clue about the immense possibilities that lie within the realm of nanoscale creations. It's mind-blowing to think about how something so minuscule can hold such enormous potential, not just in science but also in the artistic world.

    I found it fascinating how artists like Vik Muniz and Marcelo Coelho are harnessing the power of nanotechnology to create artworks that are beyond anything we've seen before. It's like they're opening up a whole new dimension of art that's invisible to the naked eye but bursts with life and detail under magnification.

    I can't help but feel excited about the future possibilities that nanotechnology holds. Who knows what other groundbreaking discoveries and creations await us as we continue to explore this fascinating field.

    ReplyDelete

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