Week 8 / Nanotech + Art

May 20th, 2022
            The relationship between nanotech and Art has been the most difficult lesson to understand thus far. This is primarily due to the heavy blend of math and science nanotech needs to carry out its "basic functions" and my inexperience with advanced scientific topics. Despite these challenges, I have been able to learn a lot about the world of nanotechnology. First introduced by Physicist Richard Feynman in the 1950s, nanotechnology started as a theory of manipulating atoms and different molecules to create a variety of processes on a micro-scale. His theory was a bit farfetched for many and it wasn't until the 1980s that he received more recognition. Later realizing its potential in the 1980s, Eric Dexler further examined the extent of nanotechnology capabilities and concluded its possibilities were vastly overlooked and under-appreciated. His in-depth research, analysis, and findings would set forth the foundation for amazing computational and problem-solving skills that past generations would think were impossible. Some examples of recent nano-technologically engineered products include solar panels, food ingredients and preservatives, sunscreen, UV sunglasses, and more.

            The most fascinating nanotech discovery that has changed the world of art was the restoration of century-old stained glass pieces during the early to mid 10,000s using nanotech engineered droplets. As discovered in the article titled, Art Conservation and Nanotechnology: A Wonderful Confluence of Technology, Suni Papramanik writes about how conservationists apply a series of CSGi oil droplets called microemulsions to remove dirt from paintings and drawings without ruining the original atheistic. An example of this technology used to remove dirt can be shown in the paintings found in the famous Brancacci Chapel in Florence, Italy.

            Nanotech can also go beyond just art. One of the most revolutionary advancements in the field of nanotechnology has been the introduction of the solar panel. Solar panels are essentially used to create and store energy without creating waste. Rays of the sun beat down on the solar panel and are absorbed and transformed into reliable energy sources. Although revolutionary in the world of nanotechnology, there are a few drawbacks. Some drawbacks can include a high installment expense, lack of steady energy conduction due to changing weather patterns, and the dwindling subsidies for installing them on commercial and residential buildings. 

Citations

Berger, Michael. “As Good as New - Nanotechnology Art Conservation.” Nanotechnology, Nanowerk, 26 Oct. 2009, https://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=13206.php.

Baccile, Margherita Balzerani et Niki. “Nanoscience and Art: Beyond the Invisible and the Intangible.” Nanoscience and Art: Beyond the Invisible and the Intangible > Plastik, https://plastik.univ-paris1.fr/nanoscience-and-art/.

Carter, Robin S. “Art for Science.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 7 May 2019, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-019-0459-1.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The Nanoneme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact and Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” Technoetic Arts, vol. 1, no. 1, 2003, pp. 7–24., https://doi.org/10.1386/tear.1.1.7/0.

Kessler, Polly. “Art for Science.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 7 May 2019, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-019-0459-1.

Kuchta, David M. “How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?” Treehugger, Treehugger, 11 Sept. 2021, https://www.treehugger.com/how-many-solar-panels-do-i-need-5182289.

Lilley, Maiken. “The Art of Nanotech.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/art-nanotech.html.

Tamkin, Emily. “How Nanomaterials Transformed This Artist's Understanding of Color.” Slate Magazine, Slate, 20 Sept. 2016, https://slate.com/technology/2016/09/an-interview-with-kate-nichols-artist-in-residence-at-alivisatos-lab.html.

Papramanik, Suni. “Art Conservation and Nanotechnology: A Wonderful Confluence of Arts and Sciences.” Sustainable Nano, 12 May 2017, https://sustainable-nano.com/2017/05/12/art-conservation-and-nanotechnology/.

Vesna, Victoria. "Nanotech + Art." University of California, Los Angeles, 19 May. 2022, Los Angeles, CA. Lecture.