Nanotechnology and Art

This week we learned how nanotechnology and art are used together. One example is the famous Lycurgus cup that Dr. Gimzewski described in lecture. The cup appears to be green when it is lit from the front, but red when it is lit from behind. Researchers studying the cup found that the Romans used gold and silver nanoparticles in the glass, which cause the cup to change colors depending on the direction of the light. Engineer Gang Logan Liu said, “The Romans knew how to make and use nanoparticles for beautiful art” (Merali). I find this interesting because nanotechnology is still an evolving field, yet the Romans were using is over 1,600 years ago!

I enjoyed the article about the John Curtin Gallery in Perth. Specifically, I was fascinated by Boo Chapple's Transjuicer project. She was able to make an audio speaker out of a bone. By applying oscillating voltage to the bone, it vibrates at the nanoscale and generates sound. The artist played songs into the bone and recorded them using a laser interferometer. She explained that her project “speaks to the relationship between a biological organism and their electromagnetic world” (O'Boyle). I thought it was neat how she wasn't really concerned about the functionality of the bone and instead was focused on the process of the art.

Transjuicer

Nanoparticles can be found in items that we regularly use. For example, silver nanoparticles with an antimicrobial effect are often used in socks. The nanoparticles are added to socks to kill the odor-causing bacteria, so people can wear them for a long period of time without a bad smell. However, this idea is controversial as some scientists worry about the environmental consequences of using nanotechnology in consumer goods. Some experiments have shown that  silver nanoparticles can come off the socks when they are washed, and enter the waste water system. If the water eventually ends up in a river or lake, it can hurt the aquatic ecosystem if it enters the gills of fish ("Scientists Scared of Socks," 2008). 

                                  

So, while nanotechnology can be beneficial, it can also be detrimental to our environment. I think it's important that institutions continue to study nanotechnology, but it is essential to consider the ethical implications. 

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.base. Art.base, 30 Apr. 2010. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

Gates, Sara. "Lycurgus Cup, Ancient Roman Artifact, Inspires Modern-Day Nanotechnology (VIDEO)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 27 Aug. 2013. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/27/lycurgus-cup-ancient-romans-nanotechnology_n_3818512.html>.

Gimzewski, James. "Nanotech for Artists Part 3." Desma 9. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=6472170>.

Merali, Zeeya. "This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers." Smithsonian. Smithsonian Institution, Sept. 2013. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/?no-ist>.

O'Boyle, Shaun. "Visceral: Interview with Boo Chapple." Science Gallery. The University of Dublin, 24 Jan. 2011. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/blog/2011/01/visceral-interview-boo-chapple>.

"Scientists Scared of Socks as Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles Become Common in Consumer Products." Scientists Scared of Socks as Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles Become Common in Consumer Products. AZO Network, 7 Apr. 2008. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=6212>.

"Silver Socks." Silver Gloves. TDS Healthcare, n.d. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.silvergloves.co.uk/healthcare-images/silver-socks/>.

"What Will Nanotechnology Mean to You?" O ECOTEXTILES. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/category/nanotechnology/>.