Saturday, April 11, 2015

Math + Art, Week 2


 Mathematical influences in art could be found even during the ancient times. The golden ratio was present during the design of monuments like the Great Pyramids. Although it remains unclear which triangle or geometric shape the Egyptians used when designing their pyramids, it is evident that mathematics has been influencing art since the ancient times.

The Great Pyramid
http://blogs.yis.ac.jp/19iwasem/files/2014/01/pyramidgr-nk6izb.gif

An example of mathematics influencing science would be the quantum theory. The behavior and interactions of energy and matter provide mathematical descriptions. The theory is a framework for many of today’s scientific elements such as chemical bonding. Another way in which mathematics influenced art is the creation of the visually complex yet simple Penrose tiles. It arose from basic mathematical principles and could also be related to the golden ratio.

The Penrose Tiles
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Penrose_Tiling_(Rhombi).svg/500px-Penrose_Tiling_(Rhombi).svg.png

Professor talked about Peit Mondrian and how mathematics and art are interconnected. Over spring break, I spent my time at MoMa in NYC. Mondrian’s art pieces caught my eye. He cares about geometrical principles, and the forms of his artwork are filled with symmetry, rhythm, and proportion. Mondrian shows how some artists see art through the lens of geometry and rationality, and use mathematics to influence their art pieces.

Mondrian’s perspective was seeking pure harmony, rhythm, and equilibrium. He constructs horizontal and vertical lines geometrically on 2D surfaces. The influence of mathematics in art could be seen in his compositions and on the underlying geometrical concepts that Mondrian applies in his artworks.

One of Mondrian's artpiece at MoMa
 http://www.moma.org/collection_images/resized/506/w500h420/CRI_292506.jpg

Through origami, artists use mathematics to influence and express their creative artwork. Applying mathematical principles and laws to origami connects both mathematics and art together.

An origami fish
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/065/9/3/3d_origami_fish_by_xanokah-d4rxaf7.jpg

Based on this week’s lecture, I learned the connection of art and science is through mathematics. The juxtaposition of mathematics, art, and science, lies in the understanding that this is the way we operate in our world and this is also how we are separated from certain operations in our world. Mathematics is critical in dimensional visual art. It also goes hand in hand with science, benefitting the accuracy of science and architecture, as we know it.

Disneyland's forced perspective at Main Street brings mathematics and art together


Works Cited

Onstott, Scott. "Mathematical Encoding in the Great Pyramid." Ancient Origins. 13 Nov. 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

Coolman, Robert. "What Is Quantum Mechanics?" LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 26 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

Weisstein, Eric. "Penrose Tiles." MathWorld. Wolfram. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. 

Lang, Robert J. "The Math and Magic of Origami". TED. Feb 2008. Lecture.

Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” Leonardo. 17.3 (1984): 205-210. Print.

Lang, Robert J. “Origami Mathematics.” Origami Mathematics. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.




2 comments:

Lauren F said...

I love that you included the picture of mainstreet at Disneyland! The image, though not drawn, has a vanishing point and that was a topic in our lectures. It is curious that the street is made of parallel lines but depending on the perspective of the viewer, the lines appear to converge and "vanish" at the same point. In this case, approximately the center of the picture. I also like that you mentioned origami. When I was younger I used to make origami animals with my friends on the playground but at the time I had no clue that I was using math and proportions to create the animals. Great post!

Unknown said...

Hi, Kayliet! I enjoy reading your blog. As what you mentioned, our world is operated by the combinations between math (science) and art. Particularly, I am impressed with an origami fish. Even though I am Japanese, I did not expect that the mathematical principle applies to a origami fish! It is a unique example! Also, I like your views about Mondrian. I agree that "his perspective is seeking pure harmony, rhythm and equilibrium." I am thankful to you for giving me the chance to explore the mathematical principle"s materials!