NANOTEXTILES OR THE AESTHETICS OF WEARWELLNESS

MutaMorphosis Conference – Tribute to Uncertainty

International Conference – December 6-8, 2012, Prague, Czech Republic.

Abstract: There is no doubt that the development of nano-sciences and nano-technologies would have not been possible without the invention of a number of visualization instruments (like STM – Scanning Tunneling Microscope and AFM – Atomic Force Microscope). This fact had established a precedent which makes us to speak of nano-particles as “image-objects” (Sacha Loeve), as well as to explain a certain tendency for „recreational nano-design“ (David Gossell).

Still, there are complex questions to address when it comes to the use of non-visible entities and advanced technological procedures for tangible art projects. In our paper we will examine the impact the nano-technologies applications in the field of textiles can have for the works having made use of textile fabrics. Knowing that most of these nano-applications are looking to improve textiles functional properties (like imparting desired wettability, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, antimicrobial properties, flame retardancy, but also a higher resistance of the natural fibers to a conventional use), we propose a fictional scenario related to some of the works of Joseph Beuys in which we will replace the “traditional” fabrics with new ones, nano-technologicaly produced or treated. In which way the sens and the signification of the selected works will change if we are about to replace the “traditional” textile materials with the new enriched ones? In which way the perceptive, epistemological and semiological categories are to be reevaluated when it is to consider a nano-structural approach? Which sens the notion of wearwell-ness gain when it comes to nanotextiles?

Keywords : aesthetics of wearwell-ness, Joseph Beuys, functional textiles, nano-particles, nano-textiles, polymer nano-composites, smart textiles, textiles.

https://vimeo.com/56440772