I found it very interesting to learn that although mathematics is often removed from the study of art, in actuality, math is what connects science and art. As Vesna explains in her lecture, math has been used in art since the ancient times of the Babylonians, when they would press symbols into tablets of unbaked clay with a stylus. Vesna also outlines the importance of math in art in the creation of iconic landmarks including the pyramids in Egypt. It would be impossible to create so many artistic masterpieces without the use of mathematics. I also gained insight on the evolution of the idea of perspective. As Leonardo Da Vinci writes, perspective is a rational demonstration by which experience confirms that the images of all things are transmitted to the eye by pyramidal lines. 
I believe that the Vitruvian Man is a piece of art that epitomizes the collaboration of art and mathematics. Acclaimed artist, Leonardo Da Vinci and architect Vitruvius combine both of their skills in art and math to create the ideal proportions of a man, fit inside a circle and a square. This is created through art, i.e. drawing and shading, as well as mathematical tools like geometry.
Along with Da Vinci, any artists use math in their creative work. M.C. Escher uses structures in plain and projective geometry to create unique pieces, the Mona Lisa uses the divine ratio, while Duccio is the first artist to attempt to create perceptions of depth in his paintings.
The juxtaposition of math, art and science is that they all influence our perspective. Almost everything that we see in this world has been influenced by math, science or art. Math is what connects science and art. It is a common ground that scientists and artists have. Mathematics is crucial to both of their fields.
Citations
Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics.” Lecture. YouTube. Uconlineprogram. Web. 8 April. 2015.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg>
Williams, Susan. "Proportion: DaVinci's 'Vitruvian Man'." Mathtivities. Web. 8 April. 2015.
<http://www.math.afterschooltreats.com/wfdata/frame119-1019/pressrel2.asp>
Smith, B. Sidney. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." Platonic Realms Minitexts. Platonic Realms. Web. 8 April. 2015.
<http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/>
Vesna, Victoria. "Math Intro". YouTube. Uconlineprogram. Web. 8 April. 2015.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHiL9iskUWM>
Glydon, Natasha. "The Mathematics of Art." Math Central. Web. 8 April 2015.
<http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/beyond/articles/Art/art1.html>
Nicole! I think that this is an amazing blog post that you have created. You really grasp the concepts of mathematics within the art world and how they work as one. I like how you brought up Da Vinci, as he was one of the most influential artists of all time.
ReplyDeleteNicole,
ReplyDeleteI like the way that you discussed that without mathematics artistic structures could not be created. The two depend on each other so greatly when it comes to architecture and design that you almost cannot have on without the other. Though as fields of learning they can be separate, as applications to the real world it is often that they are the same.