Week 8: Art and Nanotechnology

According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, nanotechnology is defined as the “science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers.” Traditionally, science and art has been conducted on the human scale, which has been loosely defined as anything that can be perceived by a number of human sensory methods, but specifically focused on vision. However, nanotechnology will allow “atomically precise manufacturing … [which] will open the door to extraordinary improvements in the cost, range, and performance of products” (Drexler).

Nanotechnology has been initially applied to scientific fields such material science. With the advent of this type of technology, scientist can alter and manipulate materials down to the atomic level. Such control has enabled the development in genetically modified organisms, micro particle carriers and iridescent polymer film. These new technologies affect our every day life from the food we eat, the safety of the cars we drive and to the art we enjoy. Like many technologies, nanotechnology is applied to the many different aspects of the human experience.

 Iridescent Film Changes Color when Viewed from Different Angles

At a cross roads, science and art utilizing nanotechnology has been a relatively new and exciting endeavor. Artist Kimsooja uses an “iridescent polymer film developed at Cornell, reflecting light with structural colors similar to those in a butterfly’s wings” in an art display. (Aloi). This type of film changes colors dynamically as the fluid flows within its holding container and catches sunlight from different angles. Scientists were intrigued and based their studies around pigment melanin from avian species. When properly constructed, an art piece can dynamically change colors without the aid of electronics or visual trickery. This specific technology although conceived from a heavily scientific view with emphasize on chemistry, the application has been applicable to an artistic perspective.

 Kimsooja's Structure Under Construction With Iridescent Film

Aloi, Daniel. "Art and Nanotech Converge in Campus Biennial." Www.news.cornell.edu. Cornell Chronicle, n.d. Web. 23 May 2015.

Drexler, Eric. "A Radical Future for Nanotechnology." A Radical Future for Nanotechnology. World Future Society, n.d. Web. 23 May 2015.

"Engineers Create Chameleon-like Artificial 'skin' That Shifts Color on Demand." Phys.org. Phys.org, 12 Mar. 2015. Web. 23 May 2015.

Madhusoodanan, Jyoti. "Synthetic Melanin Films Mimic Colors In Bird Feathers." CEN RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2015.

What Is Nanotechnology?" Nano.gov. National Nanotechnology Initiative, n.d. Web. 23 May 2015.