Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

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Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a scale of 1 to 100 nanometers and has revolutionized science, but its influence now stretches into the world of art. What began as a theoretical idea in Richard Feynman’s 1959 lecture “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” has evolved into a multidisciplinary field bridging scientific discovery and creative expression (Feynman).

(Abbasi)

In 1974, Norio Taniguchi coined the term “nanotechnology,” referring to precision manufacturing at the molecular level (US National Nanotechnology Initiative). Since then, nanotech has found its way into contemporary art practices, challenging perceptions of material, color, and form. A striking example is Vantablack, a nanomaterial made of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes that absorbs nearly all light. It has been used in sculptures to erase visual depth, making objects appear void-like and otherworldly (Vantablack).

(Vantablack)

Artists like Cris Orfescu use electron microscopes to capture nanoscale structures, which are then digitally enhanced into vivid, abstract pieces—a genre now known as NanoArt (Orfescu). Beyond aesthetics, artists and scientists like to have fun with nanotech, such as the NanoArtography competition, which combines nanoscience and art. This international competition is open to everyone, and it highlights how nanoscale images can inspire public imagination (NanoArtography).

First and second place submissions for the 2024 NanoArtography Competition. (NanoArtography)

This convergence of art and nanotech not only reshapes how we visualize the microscopic but also invites deeper reflection on how emerging technologies can influence culture, perception, and creativity.


Works Cited

Abbasi, Ibtisam. “The Role of Nanotechnology in Modern Industry.” AZoNano, 29 October 2024, https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6820. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Feynman, Richard P. “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” Caltech Magazine, 1959, https://calteches.library.caltech.edu/47/2/1960Bottom.pdf. Accessed 19 May 2025.

NanoArtography. “NanoArtography | Science Image Competition | NanoArt.” NanoArtography, https://www.nanoartography.org/. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Orfescu, Cris. “NanoArt.” nanoart21, 2017, https://nanoart21.org/. Accessed 19 May 2025.

US National Nanotechnology Initiative. “Nanotechnology Timeline.” National Nanotechnology Initiative, https://www.nano.gov/timeline. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Vantablack. “What is Vantablack?” Surrey Nano Systems, 2016, https://www.surreynanosystems.com/about/vantablack. Accessed 19 May 2025.

Comments

  1. rebeccahanDESMA9May 25, 2025 at 11:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. rebeccahanDESMA9May 25, 2025 at 11:54 PM

    Hi Lauren! I enjoyed reading your response! I particularly appreciate how you traced the evolution from Feynman's theoretical concepts to concrete artistic applications.
    The example of Vantablack especially caught my attention.The idea that a nanomaterial can create an optical void that challenges our basic perception of depth and form is crazy cool. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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