Thursday, April 9, 2015

Week 2: Art as it Necessitates Math

It is interesting to see how math is integral to almost all of our disciplines of life, and most surprisingly art. It is amazing that almost all forms of art, and especially the concept of perception, are reliant upon mathematics. Math, and the Golden Ratio, are so natural to our world and how we view things that are aesthetically pleasing.

The Golden Ratio used by Da Vinci in The Last Supper 
The Golden Ratio is a principle important to math and art, in that it has its foundation in mathematics but has been applied to architecture and art. If math is the study of the interactions between numbers, and we can assume that numbers are naturally occurring entities, then we can conclude that math is a natural thing. Then it makes sense that art and architecture using the Golden Ratio is naturally pleasing to they eye, and that therefore the Golden Ratio would be integral to art.

It is no surprise then that instances of the Golden Ratio are commonly found in nature, since it is a natural thing.
Seed heads of flowers display the Golden Ratio
Math then, is consciously applied to art to make it more pleasing, including painting, architecture and even crocheting!
Hyperbolic crocheting

And then there are also forms of art that are completely dependent upon mathematics. Take for example origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Origami follows strict mathematical rules for paper folding, that without these rules would result in messy, and unaesthetic pieces.

After reviewing this week's material it is clear that math and art go hand in hand. In fact, there would be no art as we know it without mathematics. Math defines what is natural, and so defines what is aesthetically pleasing to our eyes. 

Sources:
Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov. UC Online Program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg

Diana Taimina. Discoverer of Hyperbolic Crochet. http://crochetcoralreef.org/contributors/daina_taimina.php
Robert J. Lang. Origami. http://www.langorigami.com/art/art.php


Miesner, Gary. Golden Ratio in Art Composition and Design. May 4th, 2014. http://www.goldennumber.net/art-composition-design/ 
15 Uncanny Examples of the Golden Ratio in Nature. http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature



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2 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 13, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Hi Caroline. Interesting post! I didn't think about the geometry behind origami during this section, and I think it is very applicable to the topic! I also think it is interesting how the golden ratio appears in nature -- I wonder if there is a scientific reason for it or if it is just a coincidence. Anyways, I like how you mention that math is a natural thing because I am not sure if I have heard someone say this before (but I agree!). This comment sparked my question for you: did you grow up thoroughly studying and enjoying math?

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  2. carolinenguyenApril 13, 2015 at 6:09 PM

    Hi Corey, thanks for the comment!
    I actually did grow up loving math. I am a very straightforward person; when there's a problem or a question I'd like there to be a concrete answer. I love that math is so fundamental (even though it can get out of control!) and I have always loved that math (usually) always has an answer.

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