Nanotechnology + Art

As our current society evolves, not only does the scale of our research and inventions grow but also decreases. Nanotechnology is the science at nanoscale and can change physical and chemical properties of elements (“What Is Nanotechnology?”). As the scientist dive into the nano world, they can create tiny worlds. An example of the artistic creation is by Professor Alex Zettl, who created the first world’s smallest synthetic motor, and James Tour, who made the first nano car without a motor shown below (“World’s Smallest ‘Electric Car’ Is Only the Size of a Molecule”). The total size of the car is only one molecule and is invisible to the human eye. As Professor Vesna and Professor Gimzewski mentioned during lecture, working at such a small-scale cause distortion in the common relationships of our world.  Such incredible feat is combination of art and nanotechnology.

 Nano Car Of One Molecule Size

Additionally, art allows the audience to better understand nanotechnology. The exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art lets visitors move molecules and manipulate atoms one by one (Lovgren). Through these communication devices, the public is able to understand how nanotechnology works. With advances in nanotechnology leading to creations such as nano bubble water, which allows both saltwater and fresh-water fish to live in the same water, it is important for the public and the scientists to stand on the same ground (Bellis).

Nano Exhibition at Los Angeles County Museum

Nano bubble water comparison to other bubbles

Sources:

1. Bellis, Mary. “Recent Innovations in the Nanotechnology Sector.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/inventions-using-nanotechnology-1992181.
2. Lovgren, Stefan. National Geographic, National Geographic Society, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html.
3. Victoria Vesna, and Jim Gimzewski. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of fact & fiction in the construction of a new science. n.d. Web. 26 May 2018. http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.
4. “What Is Nanotechnology?” Nanotechnology Timeline | Nano, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition.
5. “World's Smallest 'Electric Car' Is Only the Size of a Molecule.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 20 Nov. 2011, www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2063747/Worlds-smallest-electric-car-size-molecule.html.

Image Sources:

1. Bulajic, Viktorija Vesna, and J. K. Gimzewski. “NANO : An Exhibition of Scale and Senses.” African Studies Review, Cambridge University Press, 4 Aug. 2005, muse.jhu.edu/article/185763.
2. Knight, Matthew. “World's Smallest Car Fuels Nanotech Advance.” CNN, Cable News Network, 21 Nov. 2011, www.cnn.com/2011/11/18/tech/innovation/nano-car-electric/index.html.
3. “O3Canada Viriditec How It Works Page - O3 Canada.” O3 Canada -, o3canada.com/viriditec/how-it-works.