Week 8: NanoTech + Art
This week we learned about NanoTech and the influences that it has on art. We were lucky to have Dr. Gimzewski from the California NanoSystems Institute present the lectures this week. With over 35 years of experience in this field, it was indeed an honor. When one hears the term “NanoTech”, you immediately think of machines and technology that exist at the micro level. I learned this week that NanoTech also extends into the biological field as nature can have complex Nanostructures. Of these examples in nature, the one that caught my eye was the structure of a Gecko’s foot. Geckos can “stick to surfaces because their bulbous toes are covered in hundreds of tiny microscopic hairs called setae.” (Live Science) 
This allows the gecko to walk up and down walls while supporting their weight. It also allows them to be able to sleep while hanging upside down for long periods of time. A single square centimeter on the gecko’s foot can support its entire weight. This natural example of NanoTech plays into art a scientists attempt to recreate the structure of the gecko’s foot as an adhesive. The only problem is the scientists have not been able to replicate this very fine Nanostructure completely. If scientists were able to replicate it completely, it would be possible that humans would be able to climb walls similarly as geckos do.  |
| "Rage, The Flower Thrower" - Banksy |
I believe that this form of Nanotechnology could be very beneficial at a global level. The creation of new adhesives could reduce the amount of waste used from standard types of adhesives. With only needing a small portion to hold large amounts of weight, this limits the amount of trash we are throwing away. Artists would also be able to utilize this technology by being able to reach places that they usually wouldn’t. This could open up locations to place art that weren’t previously accessible. In particular, I can think of graffiti artists to be able to climb walls and structures to display their art in unique places without needing equipment while also keeping things relatively safe.
"Banksy Artworks & Famous Street Art." The Art Story, www.theartstory.org/artist-banksy-artworks.htm.
Dickerson, Kelly. "Geckos' Sticky Secret? They Hang by Toe Hairs." Live Science, 12 Aug. 2014, www.livescience.com/47307-how-geckos-stick-and-unstick-feet.html.
"Gecko Glue." Medgadget, 4 Feb. 2008, www.medgadget.com/2008/02/gecko_glue.html.
Vesna, Victoria. "Nanotech Jim Pt3." YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=613&v=X0HCNiU_108.
Warren, David. "Gecko Feet Stickiness Feature Secret Explained: Study." Latest News in the Business and Financial World, www.wallstreetotc.com/study-explains-stickiness-feature-gecko-feet/27113/.
Your discussion on how nanotech could reduce the amount of waste produced was really good and relevant! I also liked how you talked about how nanotechnology is seen in nature. I feel like we could really look to nature more often for inspiration on where to take technology and art moving forward.
ReplyDeleteI found your connection and application of nanotechnology with art to be quite fascinating, especially in the context of street artists such as Banksy. A large part of the allure of Banksy's work is in the canvas and location such as in the frame shredding of the "Girl with Balloon" painting. As you mentioned, the accessibility of new locations for artwork will create different dimensions for the artist and open our perspectives on how nanotechnology and art can collaborate in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrew!
ReplyDeleteI also found the information Dr. Gimzewski provided about adhesive tape inspired by geckos to be fascinating. I think we still have so much to learn from instances of biomimicry like this. Nature has been fine-tuning and perfecting its processes in the most functional way since the beginning of time. We learned in lecture that a lot of nanotechnology has become controversial... Do you think enabling graffiti artists to reach new heights (literally) would become controversial? If so, how?
Hey Andrew, I really liked your response on how we can incorporate waste reduction with nanotech similar to geckos. It is a really unique take on how nature and technology can be intersected.
ReplyDelete