Week 8: Nanotech + Art

The topic of Nanotechnology and art is very interesting. Eric Drexler is responsible for the popularization of nanotechnology. This is the first time I have been introduced to nanotechnology and it’s prevalence in society. Nanotechnology existed many years ago, but it has become more purposeful and a dominant aspect in our everyday lives. Due to the advancements in nanotechnology people have the ability to examine atoms more precisely.  For example, the Scanning Tunneling Microscope invented by Gerd and Heinrich, is a major advancement that allowed people to view atoms in real space and interact with them. As recipients of the Nobel Prize for physics, they influenced other individual’s art, such as Liza who was a graduate student in Dr. Gimzewski’s group. She produced an art piece that spelled out the word UCLA, by manipulating carbon monoxide molecules. 

Gerd & Heinrich- Scanning Tunneling Micoscope

A Perth International Arts Festival Exhibition highlights projects that explore the material world and because of the collaboration of art and science, new ways of viewing the world are produced. Boo Chapple and his project of making audio speakers out of bone and Christa Sommerer’s and Laurent Mignonneau’s Nano-Space magnetic force feedback, which allows users to touch invisible Nano particles are just some of many extraordinary discoveries that have changed the outlook and perception of life. Due to the interaction between art, science and technology; new developments and discoveries are composed. These developments impact our everyday life by exposing us to new perspective and paving way for the future advancements. 

Boo Chapple's project

I am particularly interested in Nano particles. It is interesting that there are so many Nano technology products that are currently on the market and some of them are invisible. Specifically, stained glass is a type of art that I am drawn towards. In the church that I attend there is a large wall that is primarily made up of stained glass. It is extremely beautiful and it catches my eye every time I go into church, but I never realized what it is made of. Stained glass is a unique process; by changing the size and shape of the gold Nano particles the colors are altered. For example, the smaller particles are red, medium sized particles are green, and large particles are red. By manipulating the gold particles, artists have the ability to create stained glass artwork. It is interesting that Nano participles are also used in the sports gear we wear and the packaging for our food. I am so intrigued that these small participles are versatile play a significant role in our every life.

Nanoparticle stained glass window in a church

Dr. Gimzewski. “Nanotech for Artists". Desma 9: Nanotech + Art . Los Angeles, CA. April 9, 2012. Lecture.

John Curtin Gallery. "A Perth International Arts Festival exhibition", 11 Mar 2010. art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology, Accessed 24 May 2017. 

Nanosclae Informal Science Education. "Science of Stained Glass", University of Wisconsin-MadisonMaterials Research Science and Engineering Center. www.nisenet.org/sites/default/files/catalog/uploads/2474/stainedglasscart_classpresentation_jan10.ppt.pdf, Accessed 24 May 2017. 

National Nantechnology Initiative. "What is nanotechnology". https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition, Accessed 24 May 2017. 

Zenner, Greta. "Nanoparticle Stianed Glass", 18 Nov. 2008. www.education.mrsec.wisc.edu/EExpo/nanostainedglass/Nanostainedglass_tabletop_FINAL.pdf, Accessed 24 May 2017.