The art of nano science

The fascinating world of nano science and nano structures are the subject of a new exhibition by Faculty of Arts BA Fine Art Sculpture lecturer, Tom Grimsey, taking place at Magna, the science adventure centre in Rotherham, Yorkshire.

In Giants of the Infintesimal, Grimsey (pictured left) collaborates with fellow sclupture Theo Kaccoufa, taking the idea of magnifying the microscopic nano world and making its functions visible. Grimsey said: “As an artist you’re hunting around the world for new subject matter that’s interesting and engaging, new territory to uncover. I’ve found that science, and this particular area of science, is incredibly rich as a subject matter.”

Kaccoufa is a kenetic artist and a genius at constructing electromechanical machines. Together, Grimsey and Kaccoufa have created kinetic sculptures on a large-scale that mimic some of the astonishing things that happen in the nano world. Grimsey said: ”Self-assembly, the idea of things making themselves, is at the core of the project.” A key point to grasp is gravity has no bearing, whereas viscosity, the drag of fluids and the incessant restless motion of atoms are all important. Much of the energy and creativity of that world can be recreated on a large-scale.

Billiard ball atoms with magnets jostle with currents of air and water to create a balance of forces similar to that in the nanoworld and hence to make visible the fascinating creativity of matter that can self-assemble under its own tug of attractions and repulsions. Grimsey describes the process as: “adjusting the tuning, the buoyancy attractions and repulsions we need to make it work. Some of the scientists we’re working with have become quite excited by this and the flow of information has been a two-way process. We’ve found that we can replicate what goes on at a chemical level.”

The exhibition, which was recently reviewed in The Times, fulfills the idea of what Grimsey finds in his hero, physicist and nanoscience pioneer Richard Feynman. “He brings this invisible world to life with very easy to understand analogies from our macro world.”

Giants of the Infintesimal is at Magna, Sheffield Road, Rotherham, S60 1DX from May 5, 10am-5pm. www.visitmagna.co.uk