Mathematics
and art are usually thought to be two opposite ends of the spectrum in regards
to the mind and how it functions differently. Relating it back to last weeks post,
math and art reside on opposite ends of the campus at UCLA. But this week I
learned how math has been incorporated into art throughout history. One of the
most prominently used terms was the golden ratio. The golden ratio was a term
coined by Martin Ohm in 1835, which was originally called the “golden section.”
The golden ratio is generally used in art to create perfect symmetry. Examples
of this golden ratio can be seen in the pyramids of Giza, the Parthenon of
Athens, and the famous piece of artwork “The Vitruvian Man.” The golden ratio
has aided artists in making the proportions of their artwork more realistic.
Another
example of mathematics in science and art is the Fibonacci sequence. The
Fibonacci sequence is a sequence of numbers that creates a spiral which shows
itself everywhere in nature. For example this spiral manifests itself as the
ideal growth of a stock, or in the growth of a tree. Another example would be the use of vanishing
points, which is an invisible point where parallel lines in artwork appear to
converge. These were used to create realistic depth in paintings and artwork.
M.C. Escher was one artist that used mathematics in a lot of
his artwork. For example he would create tessellations, which was an
arrangement of geographical figures that completely cover a page with no gaps.
He also liked to use math, and such things as vanishing points to create
paradoxes, which were impossible in real life.
From this weeks readings and videos I learned that art and
mathematics are like peanut butter and jelly contrary to popular belief. Math
has influenced art from early on and has helped create more realistic artwork.
Things such as vanishing points and the golden ratio show up all over the art
world all throughout time. Nature also shows signs of math with the Fibonacci
sequence. Natural growth tends to follow the sequence for whatever reason in
everything from trees to the stock market.
"Golden Ratio." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Oct. 2013. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
"Fibonacci, Fractals, and Financial Markets." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
"INTRODUCTION." Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
"Vanishing Point." N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013
"Golden Ratio." N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
I thought your peanut butter and jelly analogy was especially relevant. Math and art like peanut butter and jelly, respectively, are enough to stand on their own, but when paired together make an amazingly delicious combination, and people should start using math and art together more often!
ReplyDeleteHi Shane!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you related this weeks post to last weeks post. It is very interesting that these two are on opposite ends of campus yet they have so much to do with each other. Also, you nailed it with the peanut butter and jelly comment. That encapsulates the world of math and art perfectly.
Your post was great. I liked how you brought out the concept of robots turning against us. To answer your question, I am of the opinion that creation of cyborgs with the ability to feel and thing on their own will not endanger our lives. Creators of such robots should indeed posses the knowledge on the abilities of their creation. Whatever machine that man has ever built usually works under his instruction and not vise -versa.
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