Week 8 Blog


Nanotech & Art

The connection between nanotechnology and art is seemingly unconventional. However, nanotechnology can be used to make deep scientific discoveries, as well as create incredible works of art. The exhibition “Art in the Age of Nanotechnology,” a John Curtin gallery, shows how art through nanotechnology lies at the very intersection of art and science, and how nanotech pushes both artists and viewers to look at the world from a different, much closer perspective. Art can appear at a microscopic level, and it helps us connect with subjects and matter that we never would be able to see otherwise.

Paul Thoma's Nanoessence, 2009

Ray Kurzweil’s TED talk announcing Singularity University shows how nanotechnology, and information technology in general, can impact the world on a large scale. In his talk, Kurzweil notes that the goal of the university is to apply these technologies to solving global human issues. The exponential growth of information technology around the world only confirms the idea that technology and art are intersecting more and more, and how important it is for artists to understand technology and how it can incorporate into their work. 

Microreactor technology

Nanotechnology is making things in our lives increasingly smaller, more efficient, and more powerful at a fast rate. It is applied in science, medicine, other technologies, and art. The combination of nanotech and art pushes the boundaries of what is possible in art, what constitutes art, and changes the way that we are able to interact with the world around us.

Christa Sommerer & Laurent Mignonneau's interactive Nano-Scape, 2010

Sources/Links:

“About SU.” Singularity University, su.org/about/.

“art in the age of nanotechnology.” Art.Base, art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#13.

Kurzweil, Ray. “A University for the Coming Singularity.” TED, Feb. 2009, www.ted.com/talks/ray_kurzweil_announces_singularity_university.

“Making Stuff.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/series/making-stuff#making-stuff-smaller.

“NanoArt: Nanotechnology and Art.” Academy of NanoArt, nanoart.org/nanoart-nanotechnology-art/.





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