One important application of the intersection between art, science, and technology occurs in the realm of nanotechnology. Many useful gadgets have been created using the principles of nanotechnology (e.g., computer chips, smartphones, microscopic images of atoms and molecules). For instance, “as the power of the 20th Century microscopes increased, the images recorded progressively reflected not only patterns of waves determined by physical object form, but also how the light waves scatter and interfere with each other” (Gimzewski & Vesna 1). The image below shows a chemical phenomenon illustrated through the nanotechnology of electron microscopy. Without the technology of electron microscopy, these phenomena would not be able to be visualized. This sheds light on the important role of nanotechnology in regards to scientific research.
Scanning electron microscopy images (false color) of different nanostructured ZnO fi lms deposited by chemical bath deposition from alkaline baths under different conditions. Reference: photo from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Scanning-electron-microscopy-images-false-color-of-different-nanostructured-ZnO-fi-lms_fig1_228631956
The image below showcases the intricate relationship between humans, art, science, and technology. This image brings to mind instances where humans have been interconnected with technology: from smartphone use to medical devices (i.e., pacemakers, insulin pumps).
Nano-Scape. Interactive. © All rights reserved, Christa Sommerer and Laurent Migonneau, Australia 2010. Reference: photo from https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#7
The image below illustrates how nanotechnology can help visualize natural phenomena through artistic installations. This is a piece by Kevin Raxworthy, which visualizes a landscape through nanotechnology techniques.
Nanoessence, screen capture. © All rights reserved. Paul Thomas in collaboration with Kevin Raxworthy, Australia 2009. Reference: photo from https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#9
Nanomandala. Victoria Vesna in collaboration with nanoscientist James Gimzewski and Tibetian Buddhist monks from the Gaden Lhopa Khangsten monastery, 2003, installation view, JCG, 2010. © All rights reserved. Victoria Vesna, Australia 2010. Reference: photo from https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#12
Curtin, John, et al. “John Curtin Gallery.” Art.Base, Art.Base/X.Base, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#12. Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science, Jim Gimzewski and Victoria Vesna, http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.
Gimzewski, Jim and Vesna, Victoria. “Nanotech for Artists Lecture Series: Introductory Lecture
and Lectures
1-6.”Nanotech+Art Lectures: Module 8: Design and
Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Nanotech+Art Lectures for Module 8 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 18 May 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=4852544.
Gordon, Ronald E. “Electron microscopy: a brief history and review of current clinical
application.” Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) vol. 1180 (2014): 119-35. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-1050-2_7
Sommerer, Christa, et al. “Nano-Scape. Interactive. © All rights reserved, Christa Sommerer and
Laurent Migonneau, Australia 2010.” Art.Base: John Curtin Gallery, Art.Base/X.Base, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#7. Accessed 18 May 2022.
Switzer, Jay. (2010). Electrodeposition and chemical bath deposition of functional nanomaterials.
MRS Bulletin. 35. 10.1557/S0883769400051253.
Switzer, Jay A. “Scanning Electron Microscopy Images (False Color) of Different Nanostructured ZnO Fi Lms Deposited by Chemical Bath Deposition from Alkaline Baths under Different Conditions. .” Electrodeposition and Chemical Bath Deposition of Functional Nanomaterials. MRS Bulletin, ResearchGate GmbH, Oct. 2010, https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Scanning-electron-microscopy-images-false-color-of-different-nanostructured-ZnO-fi-lms_fig1_228631956. Accessed 18 May 2022.
Thomas, Paul, et al. “Nanoessence, Screen Capture. © All Rights Reserved. Paul Thomas in
Collaboration with Kevin Raxworthy, Australia 2009.” Art.Base: John Curtin Gallery, Art.Base/X.Base, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#9. Accessed 18 May 2022.
Thompson, Benjamin, and Noah Baker. “Google AI beats humans at designing computer chips.” Nature, 10.1038/d41586-021-01558-y. 9 Jun. 2021, doi:10.1038/d41586-021-01558-y
Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Nanomandala. Victoria Vesna in collaboration with nanoscientist James
Gimzewski and Tibetian Buddhist monks from the Gaden Lhopa Khangsten monastery, 2003, installation view, JCG, 2010. © All rights reserved. Victoria Vesna, Australia 2010.” Art.Base: John Curtin Gallery, Art.Base/X.Base, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#12. Accessed 18 May 2022.
Link to Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MSeU1yOYTphpB0lF6UoLjBT-gSyulzgCCKYOpb8VDAg/edit?usp=sharing
Hi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog post and specifically the example you used of the electron microscopy images. As you said, I think nanotechnology is a leading aspect of the scientific world that directly immerses people in technology. I think its usage and implementation into scientific research is also very important for future discovers and inventions carried out by inventors and scientists. Overall, I think nanotechnology is a very essential part of designing a multitude of items that vary from being used in both science and art.
Hi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI loved your blog post and what you said about the nanotechnology used in microchips. This was really interesting and I liked how you incorporated real life examples in your post. I didn't previously know that nanotechnology was used in smartphones and things we use every day!