Sunday, April 12, 2015

Week 2- Math + Art

I studied mathematics for over more than ten years, from basic algebra and geometry to calculus and very abstract linear algebra. With some real life experiences, I found that math is closely related to art and design. After this week's lectures in Desma 9, I further understand that most of the masterpieces can't exist without the development of mathematics. Some topics like golden ratio and symmetry are familiar in the field of art. From the novel "Flatland", written by Edwin Abbott, I learned that we can perceive things in many different perspectives and dimensions are extremely interesting things to investigate and can be resulted in beautiful art designs. Moreover, in "The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion", written by Linda Henderson, breakthrough of mathematics and science discoveries have led to significant development of art and design. It is so surprising that there are so many connections between art and math.

Fractal design

There are a lot of mathematics theories behind this astonishingly beautiful fractal design, in which self-similarity is the essential feature of fractal. This example shows us that math and art are connected closely.


Architecture inspired by Mobius strip

This is another excellent example of the connection between math and art. The building is designed to be like a mobis strip. It is artistically beautiful and also functionally efficient. Designs like this cannot be accomplished without the merge of math and art.


Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci

The last example I want to show is Mona Lisa. Surprisingly, if we draw a rectangle on her face, it turns out to be in golden ratio. Furthermore, the whole picture itself is also in golden ratio. Not to mention other body parts of Mona Lisa. That's why this grand masterpiece looks rather in harmony. 

In a nutshell, from this week's study, I learned that many art and designs in real life are actually prompted by mathematics. The merge of art and math also inspire many more different expressions of reality and imagination. The combination of art and math is one of the most beautiful creations of humanity.


Abbott, Edwin. FlatLand: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Print.
Henderson, Linda. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” MIT Press. 17.3 (1984): 205-10. Print.
Vesna, Victoria. “Math + Art.” Lecture 2.












1 comment:

  1. I like how you began your blog on an intimate level of introducing your deep background in mathematics. It definitely made the blog more personable. I also enjoyed the diversity in the images you chose. Starting with the abstractness of the fractal design, then the Mobius strip architecture, and ending with the Mona Lisa. Having these very different examples helped create a very well rounded blog. Finally, I liked your last paragraph. (Starting with "in a nut shell" was clever) I liked that little summary because it reminded me exactly of your main points and what the blog was overall about! Good job!!

    ReplyDelete