Week 8: Nanotech + Art

Often, the small things in life go unnoticed especially when it is 0.000000001 of a meter in size. Though it may appear to be insignificant, it is still important to understand how nanotechnology impacts our world as well as creates an interesting opportunity for art as a culture. From cars to cleaning products, we are exposed to nanotechnology regularly in many ways even though we may not see it. For instance socks can contain silver nanoparticles which serves the purpose of killing bacteria and preventing unpleasant odors.

Men Nanosilver Ankle Socks 3 Pairs Bundle - einashop
Socks with Silver Nanoparticles

In relation to art, nanotechnology can even create the illusion of a color change depending on whether or not light is passing through the object. The Lycurgus Cups are a prime example of how artists can leverage nanotechnology to create interesting effects within their works. When the Lycurgus Cups are lit from behind they become red, however, when lit from the front they become green. Additionally, the same effect is produced with nanotechnology in stained glass which dates back to as early as the 10th century. The gold and silver nanoparticles are responsible for trapping light in a manner that can either produce red or deep yellow colors.

7 Scintillating Facts About the Earliest Known Use of Nanotechnology: The Lycurgus Cup
Lycurgus Cups

From Nanotech to Nanoscience | Science History Institute
Stained Glass

Thus, nanotechnology not only provides practical benefits in the world but also holds an important place in art as a culture. Without nanotechnology, we would be missing out on a lot of possibilities both in the realm of science and art.

Images:

“Men Nanosilver Ankle Socks 3 Pairs Bundle.” Einashop, 8 Mar. 2022, https://www.einashop.com/product/men-nanosilver-ankle-socks/. 

McFadden, Christopher. “7 Scintillating Facts about the Earliest Known Use of Nanotechnology: The Lycurgus Cup.” Interesting Engineering, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2020, https://interestingengineering.com/7-scintillating-facts-about-the-earliest-known-use-of-nanotechnology-the-lycurgus-cup. 

Chan, Chi. “From Nanotech to Nanoscience.” Science History Institute, 3 Sept. 2020, https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/from-nanotech-to-nanoscience. 

Sources:

“Nanotechnology: Why Is There Silver in My Socks?” Science Museum Blog, 14 May 2020, https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/nanotechnology-why-is-there-silver-in-my-socks/. 

“Lycurgus Cup.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Apr. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lycurgus_Cup. 

Vesna, Victoria, and Gimzewski. “Nanotech Jim PT3.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108. 

Vesna, Victoria, and Gimzewski. “Nanotech Jim pt2.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEp6t0v-v9c.

Chan, Chi. “From Nanotech to Nanoscience.” Science History Institute, 3 Sept. 2020, https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/from-nanotech-to-nanoscience. 


 

Comments

  1. Harrison HsuMay 20, 2022 at 5:57 PM

    Hi Jonathan,

    Great post! I liked how you mentioned the nanosilver socks - that is a really interesting development and especially in a post-pandemic world, I wonder if this technology will expand to other clothing. It is also interesting how nanotechnology has been used in art, such as your example of the Lycurgus cup where it can produce colors even if light is not passing through. Good job!

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