Unit 8: NanoTech & Art

Although the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is typically though of associated with scientists studying various molecules, researchers have been able to use it to apply concepts from macroscopic environments onto the nano scale. For example, Wim L. Noorduin, a physical chemist at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, was able to create structures that look like familiar things in everyday life: vases, flowers, and leaves.

Spiral-Stemmed Carnation

At first, one would expect the creation process to involve sculpting in the same sense an artist would use. However, these objects are grown in multiple stages. Noorduin's nano-scale sculptures act as an example of how both the scientific and art worlds are adapting through developments in nanotechnology.

Another example of this is NANOBAMA created by MIT's John Hart. Using a process similar to the lithography used to create semiconductors he was able to find a creative way to merge science and popular culture.

NANOBAMA

As we can see through the emergence of nano machinery and even nano bots, nanotechnology has taken concepts from the past few centuries and brought them to a new light. Regardless of if these ideas will be treated in similar fashions as their predecessors, such as robotics, we can be certain that it will contribute to the emergence of a third culture.

Nanobots

Bibliography
"Faculty Highlight: A. John Hart." Faculty Highlight: A. John Hart. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, n.d. Web. 24 May 2015. <https://mpc-www.mit.edu/news/newsletters/may-2013/item/373-faculty-highlight-a-john-hart>.

Gravotta, Luciana. "Very Fine Art: 6 Stunningly Beautiful Nanoscale Sculptures." Scientific American Global RSS. Scientific American, 19 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2015. <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/very-fine-art-6-stunningly-beautiful-nanoscale-sculptures-slide-show/>.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May. 2015. <http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm>.

Malcolm, Chris. Art in the Age of Nanotechnology. Bentley, WA: John Curtin Gallery, 2010. Print.

Nanotech for Artists Part 3. Dr. Gimzewski. YouTube. N.p., 21 May 2012. Web. 23 May 2015. <https://youtu.be/X0HCNiU_108>.