Week 8: Nanotech + Art

Nanotechnology is currently considered as a new area to both our lives and arts. Nanotechnology introduces a new methodology to help people better understand the nano-science and to create new art works. The collaboration between artists and nonscientists and the combination of nanotechnology and arts are pushing the paradigm shifts to the edge. 

(Figure 1)

According to the UCLA professor Jim Gimzewski, who has 35 years of experience in nano-tech, the development of nano-tech is not only influencing art but also gradually changing the world, in terms of societal and economic aspects. Figure 1, which is explained in the introduction video, demonstrates the scale used in Nanotechnology. Scale is one of the most important concepts in the nano-tech world; it shows the accuracy of the measurement and builds the foundation for all the development of the nano art works. The emerging microelectronics revolution, computers and etc. are gradually changing the world. 

(Figure 2)

Various types of Nano-particles are implemented in the products we use everyday, even when we do not realize it. Nano-particles have been in existence for a long time; the Lycurgus Cup displaying in the British Museum is a great example. The cup appears green under daylight but becomes red when light comes from inside the cup. The red color is an effect of the glazed nano-sized gold. (Figure 2)

 (Figure 3)

(Figure 4)

In 15th century, people used copper and silver nano-particles to create bright and beautiful colors on the Pottery of Deruta. Same effect was used in stained glasses, which was used widely by churches. Depending on the form and size of the particles, whole hosts of colors appears. Such amazing art works cannot be created using solely the regular pigments. From ancient time to current days, nano-tech plays a big role in the creation of arts. ( Figure 3, 4)

 (Figure 5)

Another field that influenced a lot by nanotechnology is medicine. Nano-tech is used to create a new forms of treatment to help cure diseases. It is consider to be a medicinal revolution and this field is called "nano medicine". Quantum dots are discovered in the process. Scientists found out that if we reduce black coloring to nanosize, the color will no longer be black. It shows various bright colors. Even though it is the same material, differences in size cause the particles to display different colors. Scientists use this technology to create arts. In addition, the invented treatment was proved to reduce the pain in the process of curing cancer and tumor.  (Figure 5)





1. Victoria Vesna. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dZ3y6TkXJ6Y#t=15>

2. Gimzewski, Jim. and Victoria Vesna. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q7jM6-iqzzE#t=614>

3. “Introduction to Nanotechnology.” Introduction to Nanotechnology RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://nanogloss.com/>.

4. Gimzewski, Jim. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X0HCNiU_108#t=10>

5. “What Is Nanotechnology?” What Is Nanotechnology? N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://crnano.org/whatis.htm>.

6. Gimzewski, Jim. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yHCuZetAIhk#t=26>