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Published March 2, 2016 | public
Journal Article

Art on the Nanoscale and Beyond

Abstract

Methods of forming and patterning materials at the nano- and microscales are finding increased use as a medium of artistic expression, and as a vehicle for communicating scientific advances to a broader audience. While sharing many attributes of other art forms, miniaturized art enables the direct engagement of sensory aspects such as sight and touch for materials and structures that are otherwise invisible to the eye. The historical uses of nano-/microscale materials and imaging techniques in arts and sciences are presented. The motivations to create artwork at small scales are discussed, and representations in scientific literature and exhibitions are explored. Examples are presented using semiconductors, microfluidics, and nanomaterials as the artistic media; these utilized techniques including micromachining, focused ion beam milling, two-photon polymerization, and bottom-up nanostructure growth. Finally, the technological factors that limit the implementation of artwork at miniature scales are identified, and potential future directions are discussed. As research marches toward even smaller length scales, innovative and engaging visualizations and artistic endeavors will have growing implications on education, communication, policy making, media activism, and public perception of science and technology.

Additional Information

© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. Received: May 18, 2015. Revised: July 5, 2015. Published online: December 15, 2015. A.K.Y. and S.H.Y designed the project. A.K.Y. wrote the manuscript. A.F.C. contributed to Microphotography in Life Sciences. S.H.Y, A.F., A.J.H., M.K., A.K., G.E., and J.H. made intellectual contributions and edited the manuscript. The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Additional details

Created:
August 22, 2023
Modified:
October 18, 2023