Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

Prior to this week’s lectures, I had very little knowledge of what exactly nanotechnology was and how it had been integrated into my own everyday life, let alone into art. Upon understanding its real world applications, it was eye-opening to see how nanotechnology has also affected various art forms and vice versa.

One of the most surprising examples of this for me was the use of nanotechnology in stained glass. The type and size of different nanoparticles help stained glass artists achieve different colors and hues in their work (Gimzewski). In this way, the precise control over material properties offered to artists via nanotechnology has expanded artistic possibilities and pushed the boundaries of traditional artistic techniques (El Sayegh).

Stained glass is just one example of how nanotechnology is used in art – the exhibition “Art in the Age of Nanotechnology” at the John Curtin Gallery features a diverse range of artworks that utilize nanotechnology in various ways. ‘Nanomandala’ is one such example, featuring mandala images of the structure of a single grain of sand projected onto a disc of sand as visitors touch the sand (“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology”). 

Nanoparticles can also be used to inspire art in a more literal sense – their complex structures can prove to be fascinating to artists. Need Seeman learned how to program DNA assembly, leading to the concept of designing 3D DNA crystals of different shapes or patterns for artistic – and potentially practical – purposes (Gimzewski). 

Like it is to many other scientific fields, art can be used to further explorations in the field of nanotechnology not only by providing a unique perspective to help scientists and artists alike to think outside of the box, but also by helping share new discoveries with the general public. Thus, art can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding of nanoparticles by presenting complex concepts in accessible and engaging ways (“Art for Science”).


Works Cited

Gimzewski, James K. “Nanotech for Artists Part 3 - Dr. Gimzewski”. DESMA 9, University of California, Los Angeles.

El Sayegh, Abdul Mohsen. “The Impact of Nanotechnology on Nanoart to Create Artwork: An Analytical Study.” International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, vol. 10, no. 10, 2022, pp. 29–47, https://doi.org/10.37745/ijeld.2013/vol10n102947. 

“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Art.Base, art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#9. Accessed 26 May 2023. 

Gimzewski, James K. “Nanotech for Artists Part 5 - Dr. Gimzewski”. DESMA 9, University of California, Los Angeles.

“Art for Science.” Nature Nanotechnology, vol. 14, no. 5, 2019, pp. 399–399, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-019-0459-1. 


Images Cited

Bayda, Samer, et al. “The History of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: From Chemical–Physical Applications to Nanomedicine.” Molecules, vol. 25, no. 1, 2019, p. 112, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25010112. 

“NANO Mandala by Victoria Vesna.” NANO MANDALA BY VICTORIA VESNA - ADA | Archive of Digital Art, digitalartarchive.at/database/general/work/nano-mandala.html. Accessed 26 May 2023. 

Notman, Nina. “Designing 3D DNA Crystals.” Chemistry World, 29 Jan. 2020, www.chemistryworld.com/news/designing-3d-dna-crystals/3001231.article. 

Comments

  1. shellyalonsoDESMA9May 27, 2023 at 12:54 PM

    Hey Diya! Prior to this week, I also didn't know much about nanotechnology. Learning more about it has made me very interested in the topic. I love how you were able to showcase different ways nanotechnology is used in art. My favorite example was the stained glass. I have never thought about the way it was made. I now admire the artists that take the time to make this beautiful form of art.

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