Before this lecture, I did not know the profound affect that mathematics had on art. Most art, if not all, is somehow based on mathematical formulas or dimensions. The most important theme that I took away from this unit was that in art perspective is everything, and in order to have perspective you must have math. Growing up I did not apply myself to art because I could not draw, however I did enjoy math. Had I known the prominent use of math in art, it may have had a larger effect on my life.
When I had to choose a piece of art that best expressed what I learned in this unit, I had to pick from one of the most influential artists of all time, Leonardo Da Vinci. In his Virtruvian Man he uses perfect ratios based on the human body in order to explain perspective and dimensions for artists. Artists use a mathematical principle in order to convey their artwork in such a manner that is aesthetically pleasing.
Another interesting aspect of math in art is the golden ratio that has been used for centuries by artists in their work. This golden ratio can be found in profound artwork such as the Parthenon in Greece and in the Mona Lisa. These ratios are important, and are based on mathematical formulas, in order for artists to create perspective within their art. The pyramids of Giza also have these essential principles, that have been used for many years. Brunelleschi was the first artist to use linear perspective and create paintings with realistic depth. The juxtaposition of art, science, and mathematics is one that is very close knit. Although they seem to be very different, in reality you cannot have one without the other two. Math, science, and art are everywhere and without the proper use of one in the other they lack a certain purpose and expression.
Sources
Vesna, Victoria. "Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectivesGoldenMean" Lecture. 10-13-2013.
First off I think the first picture is awesome. It combines art and nature with math and shows how there are math equations around us everyday that we ignore. Did you consider architecture art before this week's lesson?
ReplyDeleteIt's cool how you have a different perspective on art after this week's readings/lectures because I definitely feel the same way. Art was always a pain for me, but it's neat to see how math weaves its way into architecture, paintings, and other types of media. Math itself has an artistic beauty - especially the fields of topology where awe-inspiring shapes are common.
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