Art and Mathematics

Before this week, I didn't really think that art and mathematics were related because they seem like such different concepts. However, after doing the reading and watching the lecture, I now realize how wrong I was. Mathematics has greatly influenced art and science.

One example that Professor Vesna discussed in lecture was drawing a face. In addition to providing attention to detail, an artist must make sure that there is an equal distance between the eyes and that the placement between facial features is realistic. When I would draw a face as a young child, I would incorrectly put the eyes toward the top of the head. However, if you look at a face drawn in proportion, the eyes are closer to the middle of the head, leaving enough space for the forehead. Artists can divide the head into shapes or lines before drawing the facial features to ensure the proportions are correct. 

 

   When math is used in art, the drawing of a face becomes more accurate. 

One of the main connections between math and art is the Golden ratio, which is approximately 1.618. In a Golden ratio, a line is divided into two parts such that the long part divided by the small part is equal to the whole line divided by the longer part. This ratio has appeared in art and architecture throughout history, including the Parthenon in Athens and the Pyramids of Giza. The ratio shows how math can help make art aesthetically pleasing.

The Golden ratio

The Golden ratio in the Parthenon

The Golden ratio also appears in nature, in the form of a Fibonacci sequence. The spiral can be seen in hurricanes, galaxies, flowers, shells, and pinecones. The inner part of the flower below forms a spiraling sequence. To learn more about Fibonacci sequences, click the link here: http://www.livescience.com/37470-fibonacci-sequence.html

This flower provides evidence of mathematical sequences in nature.

I was fascinated by Robert Lang's video about the math involved in origami. Using math to calculate crease patterns, artists are able to shape paper into any object they desire. The math involved in origami has even helped change science. For example, using an origami pattern, scientists have developed a heart stent that is small when it goes through the blood vessels, but is able to expand in order to hold open a blocked artery. I would have never thought that origami could assist scientists in the field of medicine, so I find this insight very interesting! It provides more evidence that there is an intersection between math, art, and science.  I hope that scientists, mathematicians, and artists can continue to work together to develop new ways to fix crucial problems. 

Clancey, Benjamin. "Half-Face Drawing." TwentyFirst Century Art and Design. N.p., 27 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://benjaminclancy.com/visual-art/drawing/half-face-drawing/>.

"Cool Kids Drawings Inspiring Creativity While Having Fun." Cool Kids Drawings Inspiring Creativity While Having Fun. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.drawing-pencil-sketches.com/kids-drawings.html>.

Hague, Matthew. "In Search of the Golden Ratio in Architecture." The Globe and Mail. N.p., 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/in-search-of-the-golden-ratio-in-architecture/article20040240/>.

Hom, Elaine J. "What Is the Golden Ratio?" LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 24 June 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://www.livescience.com/37704-phi-golden-ratio.html>.

"The Math and Magic of Origami." Robert Lang: The Math and Magic of Oragami. TED, 2008. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_lang_folds_way_new_origami#t-34142>.

N.p., n.d. Web. <https%3A%2F%2Fsavoiaonline.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F05%2F4_pink-daisy-img_assist_custom-600x595.jpg%3Fw%3D640>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Math + Art Lecture." Desma 9. Web. 10 Apr. 2-15. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-2-view?module_item_id=6472138>.