Mathematics and art are often described as subjects of polar opposite natures: one being a subject of logic and objectivity, another focusing on the expression of emotions and subjectivity. At school, the way we are encouraged and taught to think when approaching math problems are methodical, a step-by-step process designed to result in a designated answer; while the approach for art is more free-formed with no right or wrong answer. Portrayed as completely separate entities at school, it is ingrained in children's mind that there are no significant link between mathematics and art. I for one, have never considered the connection between these two subjects. The lecture and readings this week acts as a very good introduction on how mathematics influenced the evolution of arts, and vice versa.
The way artists uses mathematical principle to enhance the authenticity of their artwork was particularly memorable to me. As Marc Franz explained in his lesson regarding vanishing points, the technique is helpful in establishing the space in the painting and how the different elements in the artwork are interacting in the space. Accurate portrayal of depth and proportion are essential in depicting the scene accurately. The significance of this technique can be seen by comparing between pieces from before and after the renaissance period.
The painting on the left, Old Testament Trinity, is a representation of how artworks from the pre-renaissance era often lacks the realism present in more recent work. The lack of understanding in mathematical principles might be the contributing factor towards the disproportional objects in the painting. An examination of a more recent painting displayed on top proves the importance of vanishing points in accurately portraying a three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional medium.
One of the more memorable concepts mentioned in this week's lecture is how nature, art, and architecture can be described using the mathematical concept of the golden ratio. Upon researching more about the use of golden ratio in art, I am surprised to find how deeply rooted the concept is in the paintings of renaissance artists. From Leonardo Da Vinci to Raphael, many artists utilize the concept of golden ratio to construct and impart a sense of balance in their paintings. The video below offers a detailed explanation of Da Vinci's use of the golden ratio and helps viewers better appreciate the work of Da Vinci using mathematical concepts.
The discussion this week regarding the relationship between mathematics and art encouraged me to look for traces of mathematics present in both art and around us. Indeed, although the mathematical concepts we learn about in school seems purely theoretical at times, they are often useful in explaining phenomenons of the world we are in, as well as helping us appreciate elements in art that would otherwise never be developed.
Citations:
"Andrei Rublev. The Old Testament Trinity -." Olga's Gallery. Olga's Gallery. Web. 09 Apr. 2016.
"Examples Of The Golden Ratio You Can Find In Nature | Memolition." Memolition. 17 July 2014. Web. 09 Apr. 2016.
Franz, Marc. "Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art." Professor Hassan Foroosh | Dept. of Computer Science | University of Central Florida. University of Central Florida, 2000. Web. 09 Apr. 2016.
"Golden Ratio in Art Composition and Design." The Golden Ratio Phi 1618. 04 May 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
Mathematics | Perspective | Time | Space. Perf. Victoria Vesna. DESMA 9: Art, Science and Technology. Victoria Vesna, 09 Apr. 2012. Web. 09 Apr. 2016.
"Perspective: The Rise of Renaissance Perspective." Science and Art of Perspective. Web. 09 Apr. 2016.
Hi Michelle! I definitely agree that the concept that math and art are related usually does not ever show up normally through what is taught before college and that it is fascinating to see how they actually coincide both in nature and in masterpieces created by famous artists in history. I also found it interesting that though it is common knowledge that math is oftentimes used to explain phenomena in nature, most people don't know that mathematical principles such as vanishing points, the golden ratio, and fractals are consciously used by artists in their work. I also wanted to point out, as I've mentioned in my blog, that math is not only used in paintings and sculptures, but also in music and especially in modern digital design.
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