Week 2: Math + Art

 Before this week, I had not given much thought to the role mathematics plays in the art we see not only today but also throughout history. One example being the usage of the golden ratio in the design of the Egyptian pyramids, the Greek Parthenon, and the Mona Lisa in order to create the perfect proportions between lines or the different dimensions in each piece of art, respectively (Vensa).

 

Figure 1: “Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Giza Governorate, Egypt.” Geometry Ancient Egypt – Pyramid Proportions, http://rogerburrowsimages.com/2017/12/geometries-ancient-egypt-pyramids/.

In order to capture the three-dimensional world on a two-dimensional canvas, the manipulation and creative usage of perspective become that much more important. With a little use of mathematics, artists are able to create a "surprising sensation of depth", almost making you feel you are in the art piece (Jarvis). The usage of mathematical elements such as the vanishing point gives a sense of realism and depth that may not be possible on a two-dimensional canvas without the influence of mathematics since it utilizes the precise intensity of specific angles to create a three-dimensional perspective (Frantz, 7). Also, artists are always looking for new ways to improve their art; as Henderson puts it, artists are "motivated by a desire to complete our subjective experience by inventing new conceptual capabilities," which happens alongside mathematical and scientific findings (Henderson, 209).

Figure 2: What Is a Vanishing Point and How to Perfect It in Architectural Drawings?, https://www.arch2o.com/what-is-a-vanishing-point-how-to-perfect-in-architectural-drawings/.


One piece of art that had caught my attention was Beautiful Chaos done by Nathan Selikoff, which used user interaction with software alongside mathematical formulas to produce futuristic abstract shapes (Selikoff). This piece of art showcases the harmonious way in which mathematical models can be used to create thought provoking art. 

Figure 3: Selikoff, Nathan. Beautiful Chaos, https://www.nathanselikoff.com/works/beautiful-chaos.

 This makes me wonder how mathematics can be applied to other things outside of art, such as writing or video creation. Can concepts like the golden ratio be used to organize the chapters of a book in a more harmonious way or make a movie more appealing or better structured? This broad application of mathematics in all forms of art highlights the juxtaposition between the two disciplines, showcasing the closeness with which they work with one another and how unsurprising it is that they are often used together.



Work Cited

Frantz, Marc. “Vanishing Points and Looking at Art.” Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art, 2000, http://www.cs.ucf.edu/courses/cap6938-02/refs/VanishingPoints.pdf. Accessed 14 April 2023.


Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics Pt. 1 - Zero Perspective Golden Mean.” Bruin Learn, 9 Apr. 2012, https://youtu.be/mMmq5B1LKDg, Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.


Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art:  Conclusion.” Leonardo, vol. 17, no. 3, 1984, pp. 205–10. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1575193. 


“Beautiful Chaos.” Nathan Selikoff, 24 June 2013, https://www.nathanselikoff.com/works/beautiful-chaos. 


Jarvis, Daniel, and Irene Mae Naested. Exploring the Math and Art Connection: Teaching and Learning between the Lines. Brush Education, 2012. 


Comments

  1. Jennifer OhApril 16, 2023 at 11:21 PM

    Hey Yuvraj,
    Likewise, art and math are never seen as a duo, but through out this week we see how art and math need each other. The pyramids are a historical piece of art which has puzzled many historians due to the intricately made and planned structures, which wouldn’t be possible without math, resulting in a grand art piece. We see how in the modern day we see art being used alongside technology, whether it be digital art, or with the help of AI, we see math come alive with art.

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