NanoTech + Art

          While being a fairly recent development, nanotechnology has already had an impact on almost everything - from energy and technology to food and agriculture, and to almost every aspect of science (Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part I). From this week's lecture materials, I found it very interesting to find out that art has been influencing the nano-world and in turn increasing our accessibility to this new science.

https://www.masterdc.com/blog/what-is-nanotechnology/

          

          Two unique and innovative works that serve as great examples for showing the benefits of  collaborative sci-art projects and that I found very intriguing is the Nano-Scape and Nanomandala ("Art in the Age of Nanotechnology" 2010). Created by Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau, the Nano-Scape is a wireless magnetic force-feedback interface that gives users the ability to interact with nano particles through touch ("Art in the Age of Nanotechnology" 2010). By wearing magnetic ring interfaces, users move their hands over installed tables and are able to feel "strong magnetic forces, repulsion, attraction, and even slight shock" ("Art in the Age of Nanotechnology" 2010).

https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-

age-of-nanotechnology#7

          On the other hand, the Nanomandala is an 15 minute video installation by media artist Victoria Vesna, in collaboration with nanoscience pioneer James K. Gimzewski and Tibetan Buddhist monks. The installation consists of a 8 feet wide circle of sand that visitors can touch as projected images enlarge in size. These images evolve from the molecular structure of a single grain of sand to the image of the complete mandala, which was achieved with a scanning electron microscope ("Art in the Age of Nanotechnology" 2010). This work is evidence for showing how a collaboration between art, science, and technology can produce something unique and meaningful for society. 

https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-

age-of-nanotechnology#12

          While nanotechnology comes with many benefits, it is still poorly understood due to the fact that it is a much more recent development and has not been studied to a great degree. Therefore, the public should still be wary with the nano-world, especially when it comes to the products we use on ourselves and what we consume. For example, Loreal Paris is one of the major nanotech companies in the world and some sunscreen brands also rely on nanoparticles (Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part VI). However, not knowing today if these "small ingredients pose big risks" means that we have to do more research before making them available for use (Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part VI). Moreover, I found it very frightening to hear that nanotechnology also exists in our food and agriculture. For example, I have always been skeptical with diet shakes, energy drinks, and sodas that advertise low or zero sugar, but still are able to have a very sugary taste. An example of this is the "Slim Shake Chocolate," a very low-calorie diet milkshake that uses silica nanoparticles coated in chocolate to increase taste while at the same time having a low sugar and chocolate content (Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part VI). However, with very limited research, the health risks of silica nanoparticles remain poorly understood and consumers should be cautious with such products. Therefore, there is a need for much more research in this area to understand more about the health and environmental impacts of nanotechnology.

https://www.whybiotech.com/2017/05/12/

is-gmo-food-dangerous-to-your-health/

Sources:

Gimzewski, James K. "Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part I." YouTube, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE.

Gimzewski, James K. "Introduction to Nanotechnology for Artists Part IV." YouTube, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&time_continue=400&v=oKlViSKkPd0.

Gimzewski, James K., and Victoria Vesna. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact and Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." Technoetic Arts Journal 1, no. 1 (May 2003): 7-24. http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications.htm.

Gimzewski, James K., and Christian Joachim. "Nanoscale Science of Single Molecules Using Local Probes." Science 283 (1999): 1683-88.

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology: A Perth International Arts Festival Exhibition." Art.Base, March 11, 2010. https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#4.