Cris Orfescu and NanoArt

Cris Orfescu and "NanoArt"

I. Who

Cris Orfescu
Born in Romania, currently lives and works in LA since 1991
Previous dabbles:
35 years of experimenting with different media
NanoArt
digital art
murals
acrylic and oil painting
mixed media
faux painting
graphics, animation
web design
logo design
International and national art exhibitions, awards, commissions, public and private collections.

II. When
Over 20 years of experimenting and perfecting a new art form, NANOART, which reflects the transition from Science to Art through Technology.

III. What

- NanoArt is a new art discipline at the art-science-technology intersections. Features nanolandscapes (molecular and atomic landscapes which are natural structures of matter at molecular and atomic scales) and nanosculptures (structures created by scientists and artists by manipulating matter at molecular and atomic scales using chemical and physical processes).
- These structures are visualized with scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes and their scientific images are captured and further processed by using different artistic techniques to convert them into artworks showcased for large audiences.
- The depth and three dimensions achieved in NanoArt set this process of electron imaging apart from Photography, where images are created by photons (particles of light) rather than by electrons (electrically charged particles).
- The electrons penetrate deeper in the structure creating images with more depth, more natural 3D-look than the photographic images.
Nanotechnology is still an emerging area .

IV. How

- Starts in a laboratory where I can create different structures through the means of physics and chemistry. I called these structures, Nanosculptures.
- Basically I make sculptures at molecular level.
- For my artworks, I also use natural or other man-made structures of different materials commercially available.
-Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Scanning electron microscopy is a method for high-resolution imaging of surfaces.
- The SEM uses electrons for imaging, much as a Light Optical Microscope (LOM) uses visible light..
-The SEM creates the magnified images by using electrons instead of light waves.
-The advantages of a SEM over a LOM include greater magnification (up to 300,000 X) and a much greater depth of field.
- Imaging is typically obtained using secondary electrons (SE) for the best resolution of fine surface topographical features.
-Here is how the SEM works. First, the sample should be prepared to stand the high vacuum inside the chamber.
-SEM works with electrons, the sample has to be coated with a thin film of usually Gold, sometimes Carbon, to conduct electricity.
-After the air is pumped out of the column, an electron gun emits a beam of high energy electrons.
-This beam travels downward to focus the electrons to a very fine spot.
-At the bottom end of the column, a set of scanning coils moves the focused beam back and forth across the specimen, row by row.
-As the electron beam hits the sample, secondary electrons are knocked loose from its surface.
- A detector counts these electrons and sends the signals to an amplifier.
-The final image is built up from the number of secondary electrons emitted from each spot on the sample and is displayed on a screen.

V. Purpose

-My art is a reflection of the technological movement. I consider NanoArt to be a more appealing and effective way to communicate with the general public and to raise the awareness for Nanotechnology and its impact on our lives.
-My images being attractive to the public from the esthetic point of view awaken the curiosity of my audience. As a result, people ask questions and have open discussions around these new technologies.
- The responsible development and application of nanotechnology could lead to create jobs and economic growth, to enhance national security, and to improve the quality of life. Some of the benefits would be cleaner manufacturing processes, stronger and lighter building materials, smaller and faster computers, and more powerful ways to detect and treat disease. Focuses on practical applications, such as energy, homeland security, healthcare, food and agriculture, environment, new materials, electronics.


Related Links

http://www.nanoart21.org./html/orfescu_gallery.html
http://rhizome.org/announce/view/52324
http://www.nanoart21.org./
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/
http://asap.ap.org/stories/606864.s