Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

Image 1: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France.
     Coming into this unit, I had very minimal knowledge about the nature of nanotechnology and its influence on the science and art communities.  Nanotechnology goes a step further than traditional forms of technology,  allowing for further collaboration between science and art.  Artists can utilize nanotechnology to "investigate phenomena occurring beyond our human capacity to sense, and to amplify these interactions in such a way that they are able to be effectively experienced at the human scale" (Anonymous, 2010).
      In Dr. Gimzewski's third lecture on Nanotechnology for Artists, he introduced nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have a wide range of uses and came to light Roman Times. Nanoparticle coloration, depend on the form and size you can create a wide variety of different colors which "give the stained glass this marvelous quality that can't be achieved using regular pigments" (Gimzewski).
Image 2: Quantum Dots
      I was fascinated to learn about how nanotechnology is used in an immense amount of things today without our awareness.  I was particularly fascinated with the concept of nano-cosmetics, introduced in Dr. Gimzewski's fourth lecture. Nano-cosmetics stemmed from nano-medicine.  Many cosmetics contain carcinogens which are substances that have the ability to cause cancer.  Through the use of quantum dots, each color of the visible spectrum can be acquired simply through changes in size, and if non-toxic, carry the potential to substitute cosmetic products, (Gimzewski).
Image 3: Nano-Foods
      What does the future hold for nanotechnology and food?  In Dr. Gumzewski's sixth lecture, he sheds light on the potential of personalized food through the use of nanoparticles. When I first heard this idea I was ecstatic, yet appalled.  Like most products, there are potential risks, therefore continued testing of modified products must continue. What scares me, is how many products are out there that are chemically altered right under our nose.
      Throughout this course, we've seen how each of the cultures continue to influence one another.  As a novice in the art community, I found Lovgren's article, Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand? enlightening.  He sheds light on a nano exhibition at the LACMA museum designed to allow "visitors to experience nanotechnology by sensing it, even when they can't see it" (Lovgren, 2003).  This is the perfect example of how each culture can influence the other. Many scientists believe that in order for the layman to understand nanotechnologies and the like, we must have a "perceptual shift."  Nanotechnology is becoming the future.


 References:

[1] Anonymous. "Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.Base. N.p., 11 Mar. 2010. Web. 24 May  2017. <http://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
[2] Lovgren, Stefan. "Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?" National Geographic.  National Geographic Society, 23 Dec. 2003. Web. 25 May 2017.  <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html>.
[3] Nanotech Jim Pt3. Dr. James Gimzewski. Uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012. Web. 25 May 2017.  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNIU_108>.
[4] Nanotech Jim Pt4. Dr. James Gimzewski. Uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012. Web. 25 May 2017.  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNIU_108>.
[5] Nanotech Jim Pt6. Dr. James Gimzewski. Uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012. Web. 25 May 2017.  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNIU_108>.



Images:

[1] Danovich. Tove K. Nano-Foods. Digital image. Foodpolitic. N.p., 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 24 May
2017. <http://www.foodpolitic.com/the-big-picture-on-nano-foods/>.
[2] Hafiz, Yasmine. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France. Digital image. Huffington Post. N.p., 3    May 2014. Web. 25 May 2017. <http://www/huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/03/stained-glass-  wondows-photos_n_5256052.html>.
[3] Vandervell, Andy. Quantum Dots. Digital image. Trustedreviews, N.p., 7 Jan. 2016. Web. 25 May 2017. <http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/quantum-dots-explained-what-they-are-and-why-they-re-awesome>.

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