Week 8: Nanotech + Art

 Week 8: Nanotech + Art

May 26, 2024

When one thinks of art, the first things that come to mind probably are not along the lines of microscopic, even cellular-level pieces. Microscopic, cellular-level things are, however, more thought of on the subject of science. Over relatively recent times, artists and scientists have merged nanotechnology and art, creating … The word “nano” comes from the Greek word that means “dwarf”, and is used in science as a unit of measurement (10-9 meter) (Gimzewski 2012). As stated by Professor Vesna, “we need to reinvent even how science works, it’s a collaborative science,” when speaking about how nanotechnology science can progress. As shown in the photo below, nanotechnology is collaborative and has found a place in different types of science over the years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE

One example of the intersections between nanotechnology and sciences is what Paul Rothemund speaks on in his TED talk. He explains how “biology can demonstrate the power of molecular programs”, and that by using this model he wants to build technology by writing molecular programs. This application of nano-level technology through molecular programs ends up connecting biology, computer science, and nanotechnology all in one. While nanotechnology is largely a science, there are ways in which artists have utilized the subject and technology to create stunning pieces. For example, the piece illustrated in Gimzewskiand Vesna’s article shows how artists used human touch and upscaled spheres to gather information and then visually represent that information “as an image on the surface topography”.

http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm

Overall, with the science and technology we have today, nanotechnology has grown exponentially and has even been applied to the arts. Even making its way into more entertainment (although educational) focused sectors such as Making Stuff with David Pogue. The show follows new technology of the world such as mood-monitoring clothing and steel-strength spider silk, which are the types of technology made possible through nanotechnology science and the subjects that surround it. 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1717371/

References

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The nanoneme syndrome: Blurring of fact and fiction in the construction of a new science.” Technoetic Arts, vol. 1, no. 1, 1 Mar. 2003, pp. 7–24, https://doi.org/10.1386/tear.1.1.7/0.

Online, UC. “Nanotech Jim Pt1.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE&t=438s. 

Pogue, David. “Making Stuff.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/series/making-stuff/#making-stuff-smaller. Accessed 26 May 2024. 

Rothemund, Paul. “DNA Folding, in Detail.” Paul Rothemund: DNA Folding, in Detail | TED Talk, 2008, www.ted.com/talks/paul_rothemund_dna_folding_in_detail?language=en. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Nanotech Intro.” YouTube, YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ3y6TkXJ6Y&t=38s.