Math & Art

MATH & ART

Math and art have somewhat been associated with each other, but  have been used differently to exhibit vastly different areas.  This is not to say that math and art do not have similarities. Both of these subjects share things in common, but also have certain aspects that pertain solely to their subject. The Juxtaposition of math and art is seen by bringing together the creativity of art along with the absences of expression shown by mathematics. This relationship is accurately displayed through the following video link.

https://youtu.be/XT6_MGRqKt0

In the most basic of way of looking at math and art together, we can find these two together in everyday objects in the world. Specifically, we can find the two subjects working together when looking throughout nature. Every piece of art is derived from nature, whether intended to be consciously or unconsciously done. Math on the other hand, shows the arrangements of nature. When taking a look at the Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher, it is explained that Escher used tessellations to describe the arrangement of objects we see in nature can be seen as art. Tessellations are the arrangements of closed shapes that completely cover the plane without overlapping or leaving gaps.

                   http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/

In my personal opinion art can be mathematical but abstract art is a form that can stray away from mathematical ways. Abstract art tends to focus more on the beauty of nature rather than it’s structure and arrangement. The piece below shows the focus on color instead of the mathematical arrangement.

                                 http://thewowstyle.com/40-abstract-art-design-ideas/

In the photo below you can see math and art working together. The art side displays the shades of black and grey to create shadows, while, math comes into play by creating the arrangement of the piece. The vanishing point creates the effect of the street seeming like it travels deeper into the picture, when in reality, there is no depth to the paper.

Works Cited:

Abbott, Edwin B. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New Jersey: n.p., 1991. Web. 11 Apr. 2015

Smith, B. Sidney. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher."Platonic Realms Minitexts. Platonic Realms, 13 Mar 2014. Web. 13 Mar 2014.

Frantz, Marc. Vanishing Points and Looking at Art. Fullerton: Cal State Fullerton University, 2000. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. "Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov." YouTube. YouTube, 11 Apr. 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.