Week 2 Math and Art

Week 2, Math and Art

      This week, from Professor Vesna's lecture, I gained insight into how mathematics relates to art throughout history. Many techniques used to give art its aesthetic quality such as the golden ratio, vanishing point, and perspective are rooted in mathematical formulas. It is also interesting to note that  these mathematical principles have always been used ever since they were developed. For example, one can see the golden rule in the ancient Egyptian pyramids and in modern architecture developed by Le Corbusier.

A relation of a pyramid to the golden ratio by Nikhat Parveen.

  

In addition, mathematical formulas being repeated over and over create never ending patterns, which are called fractals. Even many aspects of nature contain fractal patterns, such as the center of the daisy below. Finally, from Henderson's paper on the fourth dimension in modern art shows how abstract artists used mathematical calculations to advance their work.  

Ox-Eye Daisy by Harold Stiver demonstrates nature's fractals.

M.C. Escher's artwork relating to symmetry can help elaborate on how connected math and art are. For example, in the piece called "Clowns", one can place threefold geometric symmetry elements at the center of where the three legs touch and where the kneecaps and heads meet. Repeating the placement  of every element will show how a single clown can give rise to this entire painting. This example of geometric math can thus produce elaborate works of art. Similarly, this symmetry is used in architecture to produce stronger constructions and by nature to simplify the building of structures such as viruses. 

Clowns by MC Escher demonstrate symmetry.

Thus I learn this week about how both artists and scientists are equally precise in their creative work. To be precise, they must use mathematics, even though mathematics may not be apparent at first in the final product whether it be a painting or scientific designs.  I also would say that mathematics can form a bridge between art and science so that eventually, all three fields inform one another equally.

References

Escher, M.C. "Clowns (No. 21)." M.C. Escher. 1 Jan. 1938. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.                 <http://www.mcescher.com/gallery/switzerland-belgium/no-21-imp/>.

Henderson, Linda. "The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion."    Leonardo 17.3 (1984): 205-10. JSTOR. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <www.jstor.org>.

Parveen, Nikhat. "GOLDEN RATIO AND THE ANCIENT EGYPT." EMAT 6000. The University of Georgia. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/emat6680/parveen/ancient_egypt.htm>.

Stiver, Harold. "Nature Notes." Ox-Eye Daisy, Fractals in Nature. 30 June 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ontfin.com/Word/ox-eye-daisy-fractals-in-nature/>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.      <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg&feature=player_embedded>

"What Are Fractals?" Fractal Foundation. 6 Dec. 2009. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.                 <http://fractalfoundation.org/resources/what-are-fractals/>.