Week 8: NanoTech +Art

My first response to new ideas is usually, "I'll believe it when I see it." But when it comes to Nanotechnology, my go-to response is irrelevant because it operates on a atomic level and thus cannot possibly be seen by the naked human eye.

A better suited phrase is, "Big things come in small package," which encompasses the endless possibilities of this groundbreaking technology.

Christa Sommerer & Laurent Mignonneau's discovery of Nano-Scape is one example of the way in which the art of the nanoworld is accessible through touch. Nano-scape operates via a wireless magnetic interface which changes its shape and interactions according to its user. In the above photo, we see how an individual wears a magnetic ring and place their hands above the table. This gives them the ability to direct the invisible sculpture through as they are in control of the frequency simply by moving their hands.

Now that we see understand of the ways Nanotechnology works, it is important to acknowledge why this technology is relevant and some of its possibilities. One example of nanotechnologies usefulness is sunscreen. Without the help of nanotechnology, sunscreen would stay white on ones skin for a long period of time, and not become invisible on ones skin as it does today. In addition, nanotechnology provides for small particles which provides better skin protection, which over a long period of time will prevent skin cancer.

Nanotechnology exemplifies the interrelatedness between art and technology. An exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art entitled "Nano," proves the usefulness of art to represent nanotechnology. Visitors are able to observe and experience manipulated molecules and atoms one by one which makes it possible for them to understand the complexity of nano-technology. 

Sources:

http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology
http://crnano.org/whatis.htm
http://nanogloss.com/#axzz2ldA0d1Lr
www.nanoandme.org