Week8: Nanotech + Art

Christa Somerer and Laurent Mignonneau, Nano-scape, 2002 (detail)

        Before studying about this week’s course materials, I know little about nanotech, a technology conducted at the nanoscale. I was surprised by the wide applications of technology. However, what impressed me more is how nanotech can change the way we perceive the world from “a pure visual culture to one based on sensing and connectivity.” (Vesna)



Boo Chapple, Transjuicer, 2010

         Some artists are inspired by nanotech and the new perception. For example, Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau embraced the perception based on sensing rather than that based on seeing. Nano-scape they created is “an interactive installation consisting of a table-like surface which is divided into four parts.” The “users” of this artwork will wear the magnetic rings and then slowly move them across the table’s surface. As a result, they will perceive the carrying magnetic repulsion which is called “a magnetic sculpture.” (Schlachetzki) This intuitive experience is to feel the nanoparticles which cannot be seen by the eyes and then mentally perceive images.

Cathedral of St.Mary the Crowned stained glass window

         Additionally, Boo Chapple was also interested in the play between micro technological interventions and the macro social context. In her work, Transjuicer, she turns the femurs of cows into audio speakers based on the piezoelectric qualities of bone. Therefore, Transjuicer successfully amplifies the nano-sized atomic properties and turns what cannot be seen to what can be hear.

         Although nanotechnology is relatively new, nano-sized materials have actually been employed by people since the medieval ages. For example, the stained glass windows of medieval churches were made by alternate-sized gold and silver particles to achieve the bright and vivid colors. Nowadays, scientists and engineers increasingly use materials at nanoscale to enjoy the enhanced properties such as lighter weight and higher strength.

         Due to the broadening of our perception and the improvement of the properties of materials, I cannot appraise the nanotech more.

 

References:

Vesna, Victoria, and Jim Gimzewski. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

Schlachetzki, Sarah M. "From Disenchantment to Re-enchantment." Fusing Lab and Gallery: Device Art in Japan and International Nano Art. Bielefeld: Transcript Verlag, 2012. N. pag. Web.

Gimzewski, Jim. Nanotech and Art Lecture. Web. 22. May 2016.      

"Realtime Issue No.96." RealTime Arts. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2016.           

"What Is Nanotechnology?" Nano. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2016.