Blog post Week 8

NanoTech + Art 

The mysterious nature of art and the secretive field of nanotechnology make for a magnificent intersection. Utilizing nanotechnology in art highlights the aesthetics of science and the enormous effects of nanoparticles. Nanotechnology has unintentionally been employed in art throughout history, for as in Roman chalices containing silver and gold nanoparticles that change color (Yetisen et al., 2015). According to Feder (2008), more than 70% of Americans use nanotechnology. This omnipresent technology is understood through the medium of art. Here is an example of software-produced art that incorporates nanotechnology.

1) Nanoart made on a computer.

The preservation of already created art is possible with the aid of nanotechnology. According to Baglioni et al. (2015), art conservators routinely use a microemulsion framework to repair damage to old paintings. Esters, which are nanoscale components in this system, offer a perfect way to separate the synthetic polymers that frequently cause flaking on old paintings, restoring them to their former glory (Pramanik 2017). The use of nanoscale principles in this context goes beyond the production of modern art, which intrigues me about the idea. An association that isn't readily made with the idea of nanotechnology is that it focuses on preserving and prolonging the lifespan of historical items. The results of using this strategy are shown in the table below.

2) Before and after the nano-chemical restoration of ancient acrylic paintings.    

Through the development of spellbinding artworks that hold spectators' attention, the interesting relationship between nanotechnology and art is eloquently presented. Enlightening lectures, TED speeches, and the necessary readings were some of the resources that substantially enhanced my understanding of this topic. These insightful sources exposed the relationship between nanotechnology and the arts, inspiring scientists and creatives to work together harmoniously to close the gap between the two fields. Inspiring multidisciplinary collaborations between scholars and creative minds, this remarkable form of artistic expression acts as a catalyst.

Nanotechnology Art

Sources:

Orfescu, Cris, et al. “NanoArt: Nanotechnology and Art.” Academy of NanoArt, 14 Oct. 2021, 

nanoart.org/nanoart-nanotechnology-art/. 

Robertmaynord. “Nanotechnology and Art - Should We Know about It?” The Art Treehouse, 26 

Mar. 2023, arttreehouse.com/artstore/nanotechnology-and-art-should-we-know-about-it/. 

Baglioni, P. et al. (2015). "Nanomaterials in art conservation." Nature Nanotechnology. https://www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2015.38

Yetisen, A. et al. (2015). "Art on the Nanoscale and Beyond." Materials Views, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/adma.201502382

Glowacki, David R. “Perceptions at the Nanoscale.” Nature Nanotechnology, vol. 14, 7 May 2019, pp. 403–403, doi:10.1038/s41565-019-0452-8.