Week 8: Nanotechnology and Art

During this week's lectures, Professor Vesna talked about nanotechnology and how it relates to art. She attached a video underneath her lecture that consists of a discussion with Dr. Gimzewski. One of the important things that stuck out to me in his discussion was when he talks about Richard Feynman's work. Gimzewski says that Feynman thought that, "The principles of physics, as fast as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom...put the atoms down where the chemist says, and so you have the substance" (Feynman). Obviously art is mostly a creative process. Then on the other hand, science is stereotypically more organized and objective. So, the idea of taking atoms and putting them wherever he wants to put them compared to the normal way of thinking and placing each atom in the same way all the time opened up new opportunities for technological advances. Feynman was able to add his own creativity to a subject that is usually seen as rigid and strictly organized. Nevertheless, the use of "nanoscale objects can be used to create new effects" that are new to world of physics (Gimzewski).

Similar to artists, scientists attempt to push the limits of physics and the boundaries that have been previously set over time. In nanotechnology, the limits of what science can do to atoms and how they are placed and or behavior has drastically changed over time.



Nanotechnology and art have been described best by John Curtain Gallery who says that nanotechnology is "designed to challenge, explore and critique our understanding of the material world and has brought together connecting with matter that's minuscule and abstract" (Curtin Gallery). No matter where we look, we can see different versions or art around the world. In today's society, everywhere we look we can also see different types of technology. However, both art and technology can also be seen in spots where we do not normally look. Even though we can not see something as small as an atom by the naked eye, there is still plenty of room for both art and science where they can exist to each other to push boundaries.



Resources:

Gemzewski, Jim. "Nanotech for Artists." UConline.edu. University of California. Web. 26 May 2017. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/63226/wiki/unit-8-view?module_item_id=970451>.

Lovgren, Stefan. “Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?” National Geographic. 23 December 2003. Web. https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html

Curtin, John. "Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.base. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2017. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

Davis, Amanda. “Everyday Nanotechnology.” The Institute. IEEE. 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 25 May. 2017.

Lilley, Maiken. "The Art of Nanotech." PBS. PBS, 18 Nov. 2010. Web. 28 May 2017. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/art-nanotech.html>.






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