Week 8: NanoTech+Art

Nanotechnology may seem like a complicated, indescribable science. But we need to change our attitude about it. As Richard Feynman once said, there is plenty of room at the bottom- meaning that we as a culture tend to shy away from such small scale things, but therein lies huge technological potential. And lately, nanotechnology has boomed and become a part of many consumer items and innovations. The field of nano medicine has the potential to be a new, innovative and effective therapeutic method. Nano medicine has the capability to be highly sensitive and ultra effective, inflicting minimal damage on the patient. Check out this video for more nano medicine products and explanations:

Yet our society is hesitant when it comes to nano technology. Maybe it's because it is a science we cannot visualize. It is invisible in a sense, and so it is difficult to trust and understand. This is where art comes in. Art has the potential to make nano technology easier to understand. Gimzewski created a project, the Quantum Tunnel, aimed to make an art exhibit with quantum mechanics at its heart. In the Quantum Tunnel, the images of visitors' faces are projected on two opposing walls. When visitors activate a camera, their image is captured and projected on the nearby wall. As the visitors walk through the connecting corridor to the opposite end, the two projected images are juxtaposed and become fractured into particles and waves. The project by no means completely explains quantum physics but it is a start to get people interested in it. 

Gimzewski's "Quantum Tunnel"

Overall, as Professor Vesna said, this new science is really about a shift in perception. Now that we have to move into the invisible, tiny scale realm, we are forced to move from a visual culture to one that's based on sensing. Art can bring about this transition. Together, nano science and art can bring forth the third culture we've been after all quarter, embracing this new shift in perception and being. 
Though this is all good and promising, it is important to take in any new technology with a grain of salt. What is this technology truly capable of? Do we need to regulate it? All in all, increased public awareness of nano tech will bring us closer to understanding nano science and its place in our society.

Nano tech is everywhere, sitting invisible, waiting for artists and us to expand its potential!

Sources:

Vesna, V., Gimzewski, J., The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of fact & fiction in the construction of a new science. 
http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm

 "Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?" National Geographic. National Geographic Society. Web. 21 May 2015.  
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology.html

"Nanomedicine". Zhu, G., Mei, L., Tan, W., The Scientist. Web. 21 May 2015.
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/40598/title/Nanomedicine/

 "California NanoSystems Institute." QUANTUM TUNNEL. Web. 21 May 2015.  
http://www1.cnsi.ucla.edu/news/item?item_id=623120

 "Nanotech Jim Pt1." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 21 May 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE