Week 2: Math + Art

Everywhere we look we can see examples of math, through patterns found in nature to the motion of things around us and everything in between. Before this unit, I had never really considered how much math actually influences art and how much art influences math. In art, if we want to draw or sculpt certain forms, we may sometimes need to use a mathematical formula. Also, the use of perspective in visual art pieces employs mathematical principles in an attempt to convey three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional canvas. Another example in which math is conveyed in art is through the use of the golden ration in architecture and other various artworks.

Origami is traditionally seen as a form of art. However, over the years, people began to apply mathematical principles to origami. As Robert Lang explained in his TED talk, an intricate origami figure begins with a vision and a stick figure drawing of what the final product should resemble. Then you must create a blueprint for where the folds will be on the piece of paper. And finally, when folded along the lines of the blueprint, the paper will end up transforming into a beautiful three-dimensional piece of art. However, this final product would not be possible without the application of math. Creating the blueprint requires a systematic mathematical approach that takes into consideration the many possible ways of folding the paper for each element of the final figure.


"Robert J. Lang Origami." Robert J. Lang Origami. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.



Perspective is another major element in art that is intertwined with math. Brunelleschi is credited with the first correct formulation of perspective, and he developed the idea of a vanishing point. He understood that there should be a single vanishing point to which all parallel lines in a plane converge. This idea is further explored in Marc Frantz’s article on how to mathematically calculate the viewing distance and other such quantities in a two-dimensional piece of art. The idea of the Golden Ratio also plays a major role in artwork and architecture. It is mathematical dimensions that many artists have found aesthetically appealing, and many different applications of it are found in nature and in art—the Parthenon and the Mona Lisa are just a couple examples. 
"Leonardo and Mathematics." The Mona Lisa Foundation.
N.p., 30 June 2016. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.



"Vanishing Point." Vanishing Point -- from Wolfram MathWorld. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.



Jbritton. "TITLE." Golden Section in Art and Architecture. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.


A lot of times, finding art within math and math within art is all about recognizing patterns. One of the most intricate and extensive of these patterns is the Mandelbrot Set, but a simpler example is the snowflake. It is important for us to take the time to discover and appreciate the ways in which in which math and art work together to create the beautiful world around us.





MANDELBROT SET IMAGES/WALLPAPER/PICTURES. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
Daugherty, Sean. "Fibonacci Sequence." Pinterest. WordPress.com, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.





References:

Frantz, Marc. Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

DlimitR. "Fractals - Mandelbrot." YouTube. YouTube, 17 June 2006. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

Lang, Robert. "The Math and Magic of Origami." Robert Lang: The Math and Magic of Origami | TED Talk | TED.com. TED Conferences, Feb. 2008. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

Ruska, Jimmy. "Golden Ratio- The Perfect Face & Change the Sex of People." YouTube. YouTube, 23 July 2007. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

Uconlineprogram. "Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov." YouTube. YouTube, 09 Apr. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.

"Robert J. Lang Origami." Robert J. Lang Origami. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.



Comments

  1. Pui Ieng LeiApril 16, 2017 at 3:13 PM

    I agree that origami is integrating maths a lot. I have watched Erik Demaine's talk about origami and maths, and the Tree Method of Origami Design (Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xMekB2EBC4&t=239s). It just impressed me how mathematics can help turn something 2D into 3D, while at the meantime enhancing its aesthetic value. And you're definitely right by saying that the connection between maths and arts is recognizing patterns. It just sums up most examples I've come across.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MaryKishDESMA9April 17, 2017 at 10:53 PM

    I really like the way you explain the connection and interdependence of art and math in a way that is easily understandable and condenses the material from this week. I had never stopped to notice the different mathematical processes that make up art, especially oragami. However, now that I have learned about this connection, I too have noticed patterns within so many artistic creations. I see these on a day to day basis, but I never thought about the effort behind it, like the patterns in my paintings, tapestries and even dishware, and the mathematical processes that made up the apartment that I live in and the buildings on campus. This topic is so relevant to our every day life and I agree that they seamlessly work together in our lives.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownApril 18, 2017 at 9:27 AM

    I really enjoyed the origami section. It is fascinating to me how much origami is linked to math. You did a great job of making everything very understandable and you incorporated the material form this week greatly. Personally i have never taken the time to look at art in a form of math but now thinking about it after reading your blog, everywhere I look, I see mathematical patterns and angles. This topic and your blog are very important to everyones day to day life and now that we are more aware of the effort behind the "little things" we can see campus and the rest of the world in a whole new perspective.

    ReplyDelete

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