Nanotech and Art

This week, we learned about a topic that was very unfamiliar to me. Nanotechnology has been around for centuries and is a field that is advancing rapidly. As Professor Vesna explained in lecture, most people are exposed to nanotechnology and use products that were built by nanotechnology. 

Jim Gimzewski explains in lecture that the concept and research of nanotechnology was largely developed by Roger Feynman. His discoveries made it possible to enhance many aspects of life. 

According to Gimzewski, nanotechnology plays a huge role in making jewelry. Diamonds are made of nanoparticles that structure themselves into patterns. With nanotechnology, these patterns can be copied and used to create different objects. I had no idea scientists are able to create something in nature just be copying its molecular pattern. 

Roman pottery is another example of how nanotechnology plays a role in art. Below is a image of the Lycurgus Cup. In daylight, the cup appears to be green; however, if it is lit up from inside, the cup turns bright red. This change in color is due to the absorption of gold nanoparticles in the cup. The way nanotechnology is able to achieve this change is very impressive and made me realize how it could play a major role in art. 

Sources:

Britishmuseum. "The Lycurgus Cup." British Museum. N.p., 04 June 2015. Web. 28 May 2017. <https://britishmuseum.tumblr.com/post/120689869617/the-lycurgus-cup>.

"Richard Feynman." Atomic Heritage Foundation. N.p., 11 May 1918. Web. 28 May 2017. <http://www.atomicheritage.org/profile/richard-feynman>.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. UCLA, n.d. Web. 23 July 2016. <http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm>.

Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim Pt1." YouTube. Uconlineprogram, 21 May 2012. Web. 23 July 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE>.

"Using Lasers to Cut a Diamond Apart Atom by Atom." Nanowerk Nanotechnology Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2017. <http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news/newsid=34684.php>.