Nanotechnology + Art

This week, we learned about how artists utilize nanotechnology, the exploration of matter at a nanoscale. In lecture, Dr. Gimzewski gave us an introduction to nanotechnology in art. A lot of the material reminded me of bio-art that we learned about a few weeks back. Just like bio-art, nanotechnology supplies artists a palette of new possibilities, materials to create new forms of  art, and a productive way to utilize technological advancements in art. 

"Zero Wave Function": Example of Nanotechnology in Art

Image of Dr. Gimzewski 

In the John Curtin Gallery in Australia, there are various art pieces that incorporate nanotechnology (Art Base). All of the projects listed are very intriguing and interesting answering a lot of my questions on the how nanotechnology is used to make art. One of them that stood out to me is Boo Chapple making an audio speaker out of bones. I think this is a perfect example of nanotechnology being used in art. With technological advancements and matter knowledge, Boo Chapple is able to create something so unique out of a human being's bone. Though I am unfamiliar and taken aback by the concept, I find it so intriguing and creative and I think that is what makes art so special. As I continued to explore the different art pieces, I was pleasantly surprised to see work done by Professor Vesna! It is quite astounding that she was able to create something that feels like sand when really it is an image of the molecular structure of one grain of sand. The possibilities of art are endless and this class never fails to amaze me in the different ways art expands and grows.

"Nanomandala" by Victoria Vesna and James Gimzewski

Image URL:

https://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=24274.php
https://www.elpiseremo.com/james-gimzewski
http://nano.arts.ucla.edu/mandala/mandala.php

Image Citation:

“James Gimzewski | ELPISEREMO.” ElpisEremo, https://www.elpiseremo.com/james-gimzewski.
“MORPHONANO, an innovative nanotechnology art exhibition.” Nanowerk, 14 February 2012, https://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=24274.php.
“NANO | nanomandala.” NANO, http://nano.arts.ucla.edu/mandala/mandala.php.

Other Citations:

“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology: A Perth International Arts Festival Exhibition.” Art.Base,

11 Mar. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#10.  

Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech for Artists Part 5 - Dr. Gimzewski." Bruinlearn.ucla.edu,

2023. 

Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech for Artists Part 6 - Dr. Gimzewski." Bruinlearn.ucla.edu,

2023. 

Gimzewski , Jim, and Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science, Mar. 2003, http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.

Vesna, Victoria, and James Gimzewski. “Location One | Nano Mandala by Victoria Vesna.” Victoria Vesna, http://victoriavesna.com/mandala/articles/locationone/nano_mandala.html.