Nanotechnology and Art
History of Nanotechnology
People have dreamt of the possibilities of nanotechnology before nanoscience even became a field (Gimzewski and Vesna). Although nanoparticles were, somewhat unknowingly, used in ancient times (example: Lycurgus Cup, 500AD) Richard Feynman was the first notable theorist for mechanical utilization of nanotechnology (Gimzewski). However, most of his work was simply theoretical, as nanoparticles were too small to be visible through microscopes (for reference, the average human hair thickness is around 50,000 nanometers) (Lovgren). That was until 1981, when scientists in Switzerland invented the Scanning Tunneling Microscope which allowed scientists, for the first time, to see topography of atoms that initially could not be seen (Lovgren).
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| Lycurgus Cup (British Museum) |
Current Use of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is more evident in our lives than the general public knows. Dr. Gimzewski stated that there are thousands of everyday products that utilize nanotechnology and nanoparticles, including food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics. However, I believe the most beneficial use of nanotechnology is in medicine, called nanomedicine. Dr. Gimzewski states that nanomedicine is used in various pharmaceuticals to cure diseases that have previously been incurable. One example he gave was Abraxane, a nanotechnology medicine that can be used to fight breast cancer. Despite the potential benefits of nanotech, it is believed to carry potential dangers as it lacks sufficient research. Additionally, unlike toxins and chemicals, there is no current requirement for labelling of products that contain nanoparticles (Arttreehouse). Dr. Vesna and Gimzewski expressed concerns of this understudied field because nanotechnology requires dealing with materials on such a small scale that is not visible to the human eye. They added that the perception of nanotechnology is distorted by firms and media, which has led to the inaccurate education of the general public. They claim that nanotechnology, unlike other sciences, requires a perceptual shift of thinking, especially as it involves matter that cannot be directly seen by humans.
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| Abraxane (Pancreatic Cancer Action) |
Nanotech and Art
Although some artists have experimented using nanotechnology in art, the combination of the two fields has yet to be developed. For example, nanotechnology artist Christian Orfescu uses scanning electron microscopes to take nanoscale images of nanoparticles. However, his artwork is limited in color as these nanoparticles are even smaller than the wavelengths of light, thus producing electron images in gray (Feder). He claims that he is inspired to create nano-art because he wants to educate the 70% of the general public who unknowingly use nanotechnology products (Feder).
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| Nanotechnology Digitized (Laguna Design) |
It was interesting to learn of the potentials of nanotechnology. However, what struck my attention more was the lack of governing within this field. This makes me question if utilization of nanotechnology in our lives would ultimately bring benefits in our lives. The mystery of nanoscience is enthralling, yet alarming. The only way to truly know is to wait until adequate research is done.
The Next Step in Nanotechnology (TED)
Works Cited
ArtTreeHouse. “NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ART - SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT IT?” ArtTreeHouse.com, The Art Tree House LLC, www.arttreehouse.com/store/content/nanotechnology-and-art-should-we-know-about-it.
Feder, Barnaby J. “The Art of Nanotech.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 25 Jan. 2008, bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/.
Gimzewski, James. “Nanotech + Art.” Unit 8 . Desma 9, 20 May 2018, Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles.
Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” Vv.arts.ucla.edu, UCLA Arts Department, vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.
Lovgren, Stefan. “ Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 23 Dec. 2003, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html.
Photos / Videos Cited
“Abraxane.” Pancreaticcanceraction.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action, 30 Mar. 2016, pancreaticcanceraction.org/news/reappraisal-life-extending-drug-abraxane-treatment-advanced-pancreatic-cancer-take-place-30th-march-2016/.
Laguna Design. “Nanotechnology, Conceptual Artwork.” Fine Ar TAmerica, FineArtAmerica.com, 13 May 2013, fineartamerica.com/featured/nanotechnology-conceptual-artwork-laguna-design.html.
Lovgren, Stefan. “ Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 23 Dec. 2003, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html.
TED, director. The Next Step in Nanotechnology. Youtube, Ted Talks, 31 Jan. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds_rzoyyfF0.
Bibliography
“Abraxane.” Pancreaticcanceraction.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action, 30 Mar. 2016, pancreaticcanceraction.org/news/reappraisal-life-extending-drug-abraxane-treatment-advanced-pancreatic-cancer-take-place-30th-march-2016/.
ArtTreeHouse. “NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ART - SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT IT?” ArtTreeHouse.com, The Art Tree House LLC, www.arttreehouse.com/store/content/nanotechnology-and-art-should-we-know-about-it.
Feder, Barnaby J. “The Art of Nanotech.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 25 Jan. 2008, bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/.
Gimzewski, James. “Nanotech + Art.” Unit 8 . Desma 9, 20 May 2018, Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles.
Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” Vv.arts.ucla.edu, UCLA Arts Department, vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.
Laguna Design. “Nanotechnology, Conceptual Artwork.” Fine Ar TAmerica, FineArtAmerica.com, 13 May 2013, fineartamerica.com/featured/nanotechnology-conceptual-artwork-laguna-design.html.
Lovgren, Stefan. “ Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 23 Dec. 2003, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html.
TED, director. The next Step in Nanotechnology. Youtube, Ted Talks, 31 Jan. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds_rzoyyfF0.
Daniel you did a great job of elaborating on the subject of nanotechnology. You also give a great example of how doctors are making nanotechnology for breast cancer. Keep it up.
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