The term nanotechnology was coined by the engineer K. Eric
Drexler in the 1980’s, and it involves the study and application of manipulating
matter at the atomic scale (“What is Nanotechnology?”). In many ways, a full realization
of nanotechnology can potentially render old and established scientific thought
obsolete while harkening a paradigm shift.
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| Scanning Tunneling Microscope |
A major catalyst for nanotechnology was the STM, an instrument
that images surfaces at the atomic level through tactile sensing (“The Scanning
Tunneling Microscope”). Developed by Gerd Binning and Rohrer at IBM Zurich, this
microscope operates by shooting a quantum electron tunneling current, with a diameter
of roughly 1 nanometer, onto the surface of interest (Gimzewski).
Through the lectures and readings, I learned that art is
connecting us to the nanoworld by engaging our senses, whether it’s involves
sight or touch.
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| Construction in Space with Crystalline Centre (1940) |
One interesting piece of work I discovered was the sculpture
“Construction in Space with Crystalline Centre” by Naum Gabo made in 1940, which
is significant for its use of clear plastic and its attempt to highlight the
relationship between appearance and molecular configuration (Tate). His
sculpture consists of chemically modified cellulose called cellulose acetate
and a synthetic polymer called polymethyl methacrylate, resulting in a work
that exudes conceptual purity and bold technological experimentation.
 |
| nano |
Truly, art can help make nanotechnology easier to
understand. Back in 2003, Prof. Victoria Vesna led an exhibition at LACMA called
“nano,” where one feature allowed visitors to manipulate the projected images
of the carbon molecule buckeyball with their shadows; even the slightest
movement affected the molecule’s configuration (Lovgren)!
Works Cited:
Gimzewski, Jim, and
Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction
in the Construction of a New Science,
vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.
Lovgren, Stefan. “Can
Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?” National Geographic,
National Geographic Society, 23 Dec. 2003,
news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html.
Tate. “Nano What?:
Nanotechnology, Contemporary Art and the NANORESTART Project at Tate.” Tate,
Tate, www.tate.org.uk/about-us/projects/nanorestart/nano-what.
“The Scanning
Tunneling Microscope.” Nobelprize.org,
www.nobelprize.org/educational/physics/microscopes/scanning/.
“What Is
Nanotechnology?” Nanotechnology: Glenn Fishbine Interview,
crnano.org/whatis.htm.
Images:
“Construction in Space
with Crystalline Centre.” Tate,
www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/gabo-construction-in-space-with-crystalline-centre-t06977.
Scanning Tunneling
Microscope.
www.ieap.uni-kiel.de/surface/ag-kipp/stm/stm.htm.
Nano. 22 May 2016,
shellyldesma9.blogspot.com/2016/05/this-week-i-learned-about-topic-that-i.html.
