Week 2 : Math + Art
The fourth
dimension began popular as early as around year 1900 not only among artists but
also the scientists and mathematicians. One of the most interesting theories of
fourth dimension is Minkowski space where the fourth dimension is clarified as
time. This is the fundamental concept of modern computer graphic and animated
films where 3D objects are moved over time using vector forms. Another example of Mathematic influence in art
and science can be seen in the novel, Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by
Abbott. The author describes social classes using the geometry shapes such as
points, lines, triangles, squares, polygons and circles and the different
worlds using the mathematical dimensions. The fascinating topic for me in this
week is origami presented by Robert Lang. The art of folding paper has helped
the Livermore engineers to fold a 5-meters lens to send into the space, which is
the great achievement accomplished by the combination of art and science.
Time Lapse of an Origami Fold: Black Forest Cuckoo Clock
The good example of artists applying mathematics in their creative work and expression is using Fibonacci numbers
and golden ratio. These mathematic principles have been used by great artists such Leonardo Da Vinci and many architects. Fibonacci ratio is not only found in the paintings of great artists
and the design of Parthenon Temple in Greece but also in the nature such as
shells, trees, flowers and storms. In my opinion, art is our expression
of the nature, Math is our calculation of the nature and Science is our discovery
from the nature. There may be different perspectives between mathematics, art
and science but they do overlap each other.
Examples of Fibonacci sequences in nature
References:
"7 Beautiful Examples Of The Fibonacci Sequence In
Nature." Odyssey. N.p., 28 Mar. 2016. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
Abbott, Edwin A. "Flatland: A Romance of Many
Dimensions." (1884): n. pag.
Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. "The Fourth Dimension
and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion." Leonardo 17.3
(1984): 205.
Lang, Robert. "The math and magic of
origami." Robert Lang: The math and magic of origami | TED Talk | TED.com.
N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2017.
Socionomics. YouTube, 31 May 2007. Web. 16
Apr. 2017. https://youtu.be/RE2Lu65XxTU
YouTube. N.p., 17 May 2009. Web. 16 Apr. 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RE2Lu65XxTU
I think the way you said "art is our expression of the nature, Math is our calculation of the nature and Science is our discovery from the nature" is very well put. Math and science heavily influence how art is presented while art helps visualize math and science. In addition, as you mentioned, Flatland uses geometric shapes to illustrate social stratification. I thought it was very interesting how Abbott described society this way; every shape has a different perspective on the other shapes with few sides than it has. The more sides a shape has, the higher level of hierarchy it stands. This is an important aspect because people are defined by the different perspectives they perceive. Thus, an artist who has multiple points of view of an object can understand that object better.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to see that mathematical concepts are used by artists. I agree with the idea that Fibonacci ratio is widely used in art and it does play an important role in art production. When we go to see a movie, we usually judge the movie based on how good the actors' performance is or what kind of film visual effect is used. However, the director is always concern about what ratio between several objects being shot should be set to improve audiences' viewing experiences. The Fibonacci ratio is widely used when the object being shot is a person. Therefore, we can see how mathematical concepts affect art production.
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