NanoArt: Nanotechnology and Art

“NanoArt: Nanotechnology and Art” chapter from “Biologically-Inspired Computing for the Arts: Scientific Data through Graphics” is an attempt to introduce NanoArt to the general public. It goes back in time to the first uses of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies to create art and continues with the beginnings of NanoArt. The status on this new artistic-scientific discipline and the movement that evolved from recent technological developments in the multidisciplinary area known as nanotechnology is also presented. The chapter informs also about the international juried NanoArt competitions, displays select artworks collected in the NanoArt 21 gallery, and finally presents thoughts of select nanoartists and art people.

biologically inspired computing for the arts

Due to the quality of works (nano imagery, molecular sculptures and landscapes, and atomic scale sculptures and landscapes) obtained by studying the nanostructures, most people perceive them as artistic objects. One of the aims of creating and promoting NanoArt is to familiarize people with the omnipresence of the nano world and raise the public awareness of the impact of nanotechnology on our lives. Legitimate concerns were raised lately about nano products from health and environmental point of views, and nanotech companies should develop their products responsibly. NanoArt can be considered one of the best vehicles to promote a responsible scientific and technological development to the general public.

Can we put the sky into a bottle? TEDxDarwin

Using the diaphanous nanomaterial silica aerogel in visual arts and creating clouds into silica aerogel sculptures, could also improve public’s perception for scientific research and make informed decisions regarding climate change and how it affects our everyday behaviors. Climatic Sculptureality could also help Environmental scientists to observe atmospheric changes in micro climatic conditions as well as Health scientists to improve nanomaterials.


This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.

Click on the link to listen to an interview with Dr. Michaloudis taken by Channel 9 News, Darwin, Australia.