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In much the same way that the microscope and access to micro-scale technology revolutionized the past few centuries, nanotechnology will come to define art and science in the coming ones. Nanotechnology is best defined as the manipulation of objects on the nano-meter scale, permitting the creation of minuscule medical devices and art pieces (Vesna). Single Tungsten Atom Visible to Naked Eye https://cosmos-magazine.imgix.net/file/spina/photo/ 14008/180215-SingleAtom-Crop.jpg?fit=clip&w=835 When imaging on the nanoscale, we are held back in resolution by the Raleigh limit, which posits that an object cannot be resolved if it is measured with a wave larger than itself (Gimzewski & Vesna). However, modern technology has allowed for breath-taking images of objects on this scale, such as the tungsten atom on the right. Having the power to see the aspects of our nature we take for granted is awe-inspiring and draws the attention immediately, since it opens a new canvas for unde...

For the second event, my friend and I took a trip to the Broad to explore their new modern art exhibitions. In the first room we walked into, I noticed a perfect example of how technology has furthered modern art: the ability to create dynamic and responsive content. The famous Double America 2 by Glenn Ligon utilizes neon signs, an invention of the 20th century, to create an ever flickering and changing piece of art (Ligon). Seeing the sign change between an upright “functional” America, an upside-down America that represents the various social and political issues that erode the nation, and a state of both illuminated at once in unity. Double America 2 by Glenn Ligon Longing for Eternity by Yayoi Kusama The next compelling piece of art also utilized light technology, in combination with mirrors, to present an ethereal and multi-dimensional experience.  Longing for Eternity by Yayoi Kusama, similar to her world-famous “Infinity Room” work, combines dynamic flashing ...

Every time we enjoy a work of art, a hidden multitude of chemical reactions and electric potentials within neurons govern our perception and understanding of that experience. Neuroscience and art have always been intricately intertwined, with the "father of neuroscience" Ramon y Cajal using his artistic skills to draw beautiful representations of the neurons he observed (Vesna). Ramon y Cajal Sketch https://d2r55xnwy6nx47.cloudfront.net/ uploads/2017/09/Drawing_03-1151x1720.jpg It is strange to see how the populace...disdains the world around it as commonplace without suspecting that at bottom it is all secret, mystery, and marvel. - Ramon y Cajal (Kalat) In modern times, the public and artist's interest in neuroscience has increased dramatically, with research being done on the ways in which our brains respond to different visual cues in art (Frazzetto). In my opinion, Salvador Dali is one of the most influential artists who used an understanding of the human bra...

As biotechnology moves at a breakneck pace, a new artistic medium is becoming available: the manipulation of life itself. In 1928, scientist and artist Alexander Fleming, who had just discovered and received a Nobel prize for penicillin, created the world's first "germ art" (Smithsonian). Germ Art by Alexander Fleming https://thumbs-prod.si-cdn.com/ciAlw3et1br9pgJ5Vmgc3DdMbPw= /fit-in/1072x0/https://public-media.si-cdn.com/filer/microbial-art-2.jpg In the decades that followed, genetic technology advanced significantly, permitting bio artist Joe Davis to genetically modify E. Coli to carry an encoded picture of the symbol of Venus (Vesna). Life itself was being turned into an expressive medium with its own merits: being naturally visceral and emotive, due to its living state, and providing a platform for commentary on gene editing and other controversial scientific issues. Current ethicists and artists need to grapple with the unlimited potential for creativity, a...