Week 8 Blog

Week 8 Blog: Nanotech + Art

According to Vesna and Gimzewski, nanotechnology is unlike many other disciplines focused on observing in a visual sense.
Understanding this new science requires a paradigm shift in perception of reality, “from a purely visual culture to one based on sensing and connectivity”(Vesna, Gimzewski, 2012).

Nanotechnology is both exciting and mind boggling. Unfortunately, many of the complex background and theory of this field can go over the head of less scientifically inclined people such as myself, so what I focused on in this week’s material were the example if nanotechnology intersecting with art and the medical field.
Because of my interest in a medical career, I am particularly excited to see how nanotechnology will revolutionize medicine. Currently in progress is the creation of nanorobots as small as a red blood cell, capable of, “cleaning the coronary arteries and prevent a heart attack, without the need for angioplasty or a cardiac surgery” among other functionalities (Kozima).
 Aside from the practical uses of nanomedicine, nanotechnology is also an emerging interest of the art world. One particular piece of art from the John Curtin gallery exhibition that caught my eye was Mike Phillips, “A mote is…” from the “Art in the age of nanotechnology” catalogue. Here, classic shakespearean words are used to describe the illusion of existence through the belief that something must be visible to be real.The image portrays the concept of, “Something just out of the corner of our minds eye, those little flecks magnified by our desire to see more clearly”. The irony seen through the art is that the more we strain to view the microscopic, “the more blurred our vision becomes” (Art Exhibitionat John Curtin Gallery, Mike Phillips).

Sources:
“6 Top Nanotechnology Uses.” Investing News Network, 16 May 2018, investingnews.com/daily/tech-investing/nanotech-investing/nanotechnology-uses/.
“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Artabase. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm>.
Kozima, Mara. “Medicine and Nanotechnology.” Healthier Again, healthieragain.com/2017/01/medicine-and-nanotechnology/.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2018.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim pt5." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2018.
Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim pt6." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2018.

Comments

  1. Aman KaurMay 29, 2018 at 9:08 PM

    I agree with you about complexity of nanotechnology. I think even the most decorated nano-scientists don't fully know all of the uses of nanotechnology. Once we gain a better understanding of it, I think nanotechnology will completely change our world and how we go about our daily lives. As always, anytime science falls short, we look to artists to fill that gap. I believe that is the case with nanotechnology. We don't understand so much of it that we have to rely on artists to help us make sense of what we do know.

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