Module 8: NanoTech + Art

 Nanotechnology can be found throughout art in both exciting futuristic applications and in applications that have been used for decades. Certain materials made up of complex chemical compounds use nanotechnology to enhance material properties and increase potential uses of the material.

(Zurutuza)

A chemical compound that is recognizable to most people is graphite. Commonly used in pencils, graphite was a revolutionary material that provided a less toxic substitute to lead but still provided a smooth writing and erasing experience. Graphene, discovered in 2004, is a specific form of carbon atoms that has unique mechanical properties. It can be thought of as a thinner version of graphite, (Pogue and Wickline) that theoretically has additional artistic properties. Currently, it is mainly used in electronics.

(Repsol)

Nanotechnology in electronics constantly intertwines with art. Nanotechnology advances the mediums we can use to create art. An example of which is a digital camera, which is mainly made up of microchips, rather than mechanical components (Pogue and Wickline). The nanotechnology that enables the existence of modern computers also allows for the creation of digital art and graphic design (Pogue and Wickline). The potential for future use of proteins and other biomolecules as programming materials would also enable artists to use them for the creation of their art as well (Rothemund). Nano-art can also utilize DNA origami to create intricate molecular designs (Rothemund).

We can also find NanoArt in politics. Art is political. Artwork can be used to progress political issues, such as the following art used in the Nonobama project (Malcolm). Carbon nanotubes were arranged to depict President Barack Obama’s face. This entire portrait was less than the size of the typed period at the end of this sentence.

(University of Michigan)


Works Cited

Kurzweil, Ray. “A University for the Coming Singularity.” TED Talks, 2 June 2009, https://www.ted.com/talks/ray_kurzweil_a_university_for_the_coming_singularity.

Malcolm, Chris. Art in the Age of Nanotechnology. John Curtin Gallery, 2010.

Pogue, David, and Samuel Wickline. “Making Stuff: Smaller.” PBS, 26 Jan. 2011, https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/making-stuff-smaller/.

Repsol. “What Is Graphene? All about Its Properties and Applications.” REPSOL, 2025, https://www.repsol.com/en/energy-and-the-future/technology-and-innovation/graphene/index.cshtml.

Rothemund, Paul. “DNA Folding, in Detail.” TED Talks, 2 Sept. 2008, https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_rothemund_dna_folding_in_detail.

University of Michigan. “‘Nanobamas’ Fuse Art, Science, Technology and Politics.” Phys.Org, 14 Nov. 2008, https://phys.org/news/2008-11-nanobamas-fuse-art-science-technology.html.

Zurutuza, Amaia. “Graphene & Graphite - How Do They Compare?” Graphenea, https://www.graphenea.com/pages/graphene-graphite?srsltid=AfmBOork_ezbJ4dPbpXtVkuHB_DXobHP5eBrmzim2HbMs9hPbiDkgUD9. Accessed 20 May 2025.

Comments

  1. Yuying RuanMay 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM

    Hi Evy, nanotechnology felt much more approachable after reading your post! I never considered the connection between high-tech materials like graphene and something as basic as pencil graphite. I was astounded by the concept of DNA origami and Obama portraits in nanoscale; it's amazing how small technology can create such powerful creative effects. Overall, this is an amazing analysis of the smallest possible intersection between art and science!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Reiley WilliamsMay 25, 2025 at 8:10 PM

    Hi Evy! Your blog does a really good job illustrating how nanotechnology bridges science and art. I found your discussion of graphite and graphene especially thoughtful. It’s fascinating how a material like pencil graphite has a deeper connection to advanced nanotech through graphene’s discovery. The idea of using carbon nanotubes to create a portrait of President Obama, at a scale smaller than a typed period, really shows the precision and creative potential of nanotechnology. I also appreciated your point about digital art being made possible through microchip technology as this is something we often take for granted. One area I’d love to hear more about is how DNA origami and biomolecules could push art beyond static forms into something more dynamic and responsive. Overall, your post made me think about how nanotechnology isn’t just a tool for science, but also a way to rethink materials and creative possibilities.

    ReplyDelete

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