mercedesbDESMA9

Week 8 | NanoTech & Art

This week's topic of nanotechnology and its relation to art was very intriguing because I had never before considered any sort of association between the two. However, this week's resources brought new light to the subject.

One of the lecture videos with Dr. Gimzewski analyzed an ancient example of the use of nanotechnology. The ancient Romans used nanonized gold in what was called the Lycurgus Cup. In the daylight, the cup appeared to be green. However, when light was shone from the inside of the cup, it looked red. The Lycurgus Cup is one of the oldest examples of people utilizing nanotechnology for artistic purposes. The fact that as long as sixteen thousand years ago people were using nanotechnology is baffling. Nanotechnology being used for art that long ago is very interesting and also highlights the importance of art and aesthetic during these times. Another example includes many stained glass pieces that take on their look because of nanotechnology.

Lycurgus Cup

Stained Glass

Nanotechnology was utilized later for more modern, artistic purposes. Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau created what they called Nano-Scape. Those using this piece would wear a "ring" of sorts and manipulate forces they can feel but cannot see. This device involves electromagnets and nano-particles to achieve the end result. While nano-particles cannot be seen, it is interesting how this project by Sommerer and Mignonneau takes on the possibility of feeling your manipulation of these particles. This also opens up a new world for artists to explore the "invisible layers of our material existence." Nanotechnology is a complicated and complex science that, when applied to art, can have surprising benefits and outcomes.

Nano-Scape

Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 22 May 2017. 

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.Base. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. 

Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau Artworks. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. 

"Realtime 96." RealTime Arts - Magazine - Issue 96 - Envisaging the Unseeable. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017.

"Lycurgus Cup: A Piece of Ancient Roman Nanotechnology." Amusing Planet. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017. 

"Stained Glass Inc." Stained Glass Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017.