For this week’s topic on the intersection between math and
art, I found it extremely interesting just how mathematical, precise, and
technical art is. Art is no longer just an expression or historical remembrance
but also the result of different mathematical formulas that play on the
viewer’s concepts of depth. In fact, it can really be broken down into the
three principal factors of drawing, proportions, and coloring, a point made by
Piero de la Fransca as said in the lecture video. According to ArtFactory,
perspective can be broken down into linear perspective and aerial perspective
which includes organization of the shapes and images and the use of tones and
colors, complementing Francesca’s theory. Essentially, the lines and the way
they are arranged combined with the use of paler colors as the view is farther
create illusions of depth and space. A drawing below shows how the lines all converge to a vantage point that create depth.
From this week’s learning, I realized how art, which can
be so variable in content, design, and expression is actually what Heroditus
calls work of “the greatest exactness.” One example can be said about the great
pyramids of Egypt, a product of the mathematical Golden Ratio or the systems of
proportions. Paul Calter from Darthmouth also emphasizes the Egyptian triangle
as another formula used to build the great pyramids. In fact, the ratio of the
slant height of the triangle to the base is said to contain the golden ratio.
source: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit2/unit2.html
As a strong fan of Greek architecture, I wanted to explore
more about the mathematical background of the iconic Parthenon. As a work of
art to praise the goddess Athena, the monument was made also with praise to what
Liliana Usvat calls the “ratios of sacred geometry” or (essentially) the golden
ratio. For example, the length of the beam that lies on top of columns is in
proportion to the height of the columns. As a result, the Parthenon is a
standing example of how mathematics plays a huge role in the overall aesthetics
and structure of architecture.
source: http://www.mathematicsmagazine.com/Articles/Mathematics_ofTheParthenon.php#.VStEf0L4tSU
As a result, it can be said that math, science, and art
enhance each other – mathematics and science are used to ultimately create the “realness”
in art. Together, math and science transform 2D representations of images into images
that represent 3D reality filled with color, depth, and illusion and create
aesthetic pleasure.
References:
Calter, Paul. "Geometry in Art & Architecture Unit 2." Geometry in Art & Architecture Unit 2. Dartmouth College, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit2/unit2.html>.
"Perspective Drawing - Linear and Aerial Perspective." Perspective Drawing - Linear and Aerial Perspective. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.artyfactory.com/perspective_drawing/perspective_index.html>.
"The Mathematics of Art - Math Central." The Mathematics of Art - Math Central. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
Usvat, Liliana. "Mathematics of the Parthenon- by Liliana Usvat Mathematics Magazine." Mathematics of the Parthenon- by Liliana Usvat Mathematics Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
Vesna,
Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” Cole UC online.
Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. April 11 2015. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg&feature=player_embedded
