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(M)other tongue: the optic and haptic scale for restAURAtion worksmade of silica aerogel
Silica aerogel is an attractive material for art as well as science and engineering. The characteristic transparency and low refractive index have made silica aerogel a novel material for visual arts under the name of aer()sculptures. Starting from one sculptural work by the first author, the artwork (M)other, is a novel concept proposing the use…
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U(rano)topia: spectral skies and rainbow holograms for silica aerogel artworks
Micro/nano structuring in distinct chemical compositions has demonstrated added values which could be utilized in various modern applications and products through the lens of visual arts. Silica aerogel is a prominent example of such a nanostructure, with which we recently utilized to accommodate the unique design of high jewelry. Using its natural shades and transparent…
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Etherospermia: Conceptual art, science and allegory in the sky-seeding project
This paper presents the practice of the artist/researcher Ioannis Michaloudis. It showcases his use of a space technology nanomaterial, silica aerogel, and its potential in the cultural utilization of space. Since 2001, his projects have centered around the esthetic, sculptural and conceptual use of silica aerogel. For Michaloudis, this material is highly allegorical of what…