Nanotech + Art

Before this week's lectures, I knew little to nothing about nanotechnology. Professor Vesna gave a vague description of nanotechnology and stated, “The old methodology doesn't work in nanoscience. We have to reinvent even how science works.” (Vesna, Nanotech intro, 0.35) Later in the lectures,  Dr. Gimzewski begins to explain how much of an impact nanotechnology has on the world. For instance, food, art, science, and technology. Scientists working in nanotechnology are working on a minuscule scale, manipulating molecules and atoms (100 millionths of a millimeter). 

Throughout the lectures and further research, I learned that concepts of nanotechnology came from a physicist named Richard Feynman. Feynman gave a talk titled, “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom” on his ideas that scientists could manipulate and change atoms and molecules. It was really interesting to learn that Feynman gave his talk 22 years before the microscope strong enough to see individual atoms was even invented. 

Physicist Richard Feynman, the father of nanotechnology.

It was also interesting to learn how nanotechnology could relate to the culture of art. The reading “Art in the Age of Nanotechnology” shows multiple different pieces representing the cohesive crossover between art and nanotechnology. One piece in particular that stood out to me was titled Nanoessence. The installation explores the comparisons between life and death by analyzing a skin cell that has been magnified with an atomic force microscope. The purpose of the piece is to question what constitutes living? 

 

Nanoessence screenshot.

Sources

“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Art.Base, Anonymous, art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#9.

“Nanotechnologies.” Nanotechnologies: 1. What Is Nanotechnology?, ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/nanotechnologies/l-2/1-introduction.htm#:~:text=Nanotechnology%20refers%20to%20the%20branch,of%20a%20millimetre)%20or%20less.

Pistilli, Melissa. “Top 6 Nanotechnology Uses (Updated 2023).” INN, 13 Apr. 2023, investingnews.com/daily/tech-investing/nanoscience-investing/nanotech-investing/nanotechnology-uses/.

Vesna. “Nanotech Intro.” YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ3y6TkXJ6Y&ab_channel=UCOnline.

“What Is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Initiative, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition.