Nano Sculpture: Through a glass and then some

17 March 2015 - 02:20 By Yolisa Mkele
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Some artists have an obsession with scale. Their work depends on extreme dimensions for attention. Size is their way of trumpeting their talents to the world.

South African-born engineer and nano sculptor Jonty Hurwitz is no different, but his work isn't what you'd expect: lean too close and you could accidentally inhale it.

Hurwitz's obsession with scale has led him in a unique direction. At a few microns - one millionth of a metre - he has created the smallest sculpture in history. He uses innovative 3D printing technology and quantum physics to baffling effect. The sculptures are painstakingly crafted by computer, pixel by pixel.

"In the blink of an eye humans have gone from using Iron Age tools to having the ability to do this. It shows how far the ability to manipulate the physical world has come," Hurwitz said.

His new work, Trust, is a figure of a woman posing with an arm aloft. Another nano sculpture depicts Cupid and Psyche kissing, paying homage to famed Italian sculptor Antonio Canova. Both works fit comfortably in the eye of a needle.

"I wanted to convey the idea that humans have become demigods in terms of our capabilities. Looking at the figures is almost religious," said Hurwitz.

The project took eight months to complete and involved a team of 20 people from across the globe.

"Now we're concerned about how we're going to share the piece," said Hurwitz.

One of his creations was recently destroyed when a photographer accidentally touched it.

Undaunted, the Wits-educated sculptor plans to take his work on a world tour.

  • Catch Jonty Hurwitz on CNN's 'Ones to Watch'  at 18:30 today, 5:30am and 10:30am tomorrow on DStv Channel 401. Jontyhurwitz.com
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