Thursday, May 19, 2016

Week 8: NanoTechnology and Art


Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely small things and can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering (nano.gov). It is almost impossible to comprehend how small nanotechnology is. To put it in perspective, a single sheet of newspaper is about 100,000 nanometers thick. Nanotechnology involves the ability to see and control atoms and molecules. The introduction of nanotechnology drastically changed science and technology as we know it.

(Perspective of the size of a nanometer)
(Perspective of the size of a nanometer)

One example of how nanotechnology has influenced art is Nano-scape. Nano-scape was invented by Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau, and it tries to make the nano-world accessible through touch. It involves a wireless magnetic force which in turn results in people to be able to touch and feel invisible nanoparticles. The magnetic ring users wear results in strong forces like repulsion, attraction, and slight shock.


(An example of a Nano-scape)

Another example is Nano_essence. Nano_essence was invented by Paul Thomas and Kevin Raxworthy. It is an interactive audio-visual installation where the viewer interfaces through their own breath. In Nano_essence a single skin cell is analysed to explore comparisons between life and death. This project aims to construct a physical experience to examine the scientific and metaphysical world.

(Nano_essence)
(Nano_essence)

Nanotechnology is very fascinating and can be an interesting concept for artists to incorporate into their art, but the most difficult problem that comes along with it is that it is extremely expensive.

Works Cited

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." John Curtin Gallery. Art.Base. art.base, 11 Mar. 2010. Web. 17 May. 2016. 

Vesna, Victoria. "Nanotech intro." Uconline. Youtube. Youtube, 17 May. 2012. Web. 17 May. 2016. 

Gimzewski, Dr. "Nanotech Jim pt1" Uconline. Youtube. Youtube, 21 May. 2012. Web. 17 May. 2016. 

Gimzewski, Dr. "Nanotech Jim pt2" Uconline. Youtube. Youtube, 21 May. 2012. Web. 17 May. 2016.

"What Is Nanotechnology?" Nano. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

"Nano_essence." Nano_essence. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.



1 comment:

  1. Nice work! I like how you first introduced the topic and then followed up with interesting examples of how nanotechnology has been incorporated into art.

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