Week 2 - Math + Art

This week's topic caught my attention that math and art go hand in hand and that artists use mathematics when they create their masterpieces. The idea of using geometric shapes in arts and mathematics is very common. Professor Vesna mentioned the ideas of symmetry, geometry, and the golden ratio that helps to the progression of art in her lecture of Math + Art.  In the novel Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin Abbott, I was able to see to how they used the idea of the direction on a compass and different perspectives of art and how it is integrated with math. Essentially the third dimension came in and brought the focus of height along with direction and measurement. Art can be expressed through many different aspects. In Linda Henderson's article "The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion", she discusses how there are a lot of different theories that could be related back to math and science and art. Some of these pictures are made to confuse the mind and make it look like an illusion.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/495255290249132212/
(A combination of math and art integration)

Many of the greatest pieces of architecture in the world use the concept of the golden ratio. One of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal follows this rule. There is a certain proportion from the arch to the windows. It is very clear to see the symmetry and geometry in the architecture of this structure. A lot of the structures share similar properties in terms of how they are built and constructed. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/507499451738341765
(Taj Mahal depicted and how it follows the Golden Ratio)

M.C. Escher showed how pieces of art expressed a lot of mathematical ideas. His usage of mathematical principles showed how his work use visuals and there was more to his art than just art, he used shapes and mathematics that were beyond imagination. He used many perplexing images that may have been a little confusing to process at first, but taking the time made the brain think harder. Relativity, shows how Escher used a lot of rectangles and to create a very realistic scene

https://www.google.com/search?q=Relativity+(M.C.+Escher)
(One of M.C. Escher's most famous pieces of art)

I learned a lot through this unit showing how math and art are more closely related than most people would possibly think. It is a very interesting idea that can be pursued and learned in more than one way. It has really broadened the way I will think about art going forward.

Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics.” Lecture. CoLE DESMA 9. Web. <https://cole.uconline.edu/~UCLA-201209-12F-DESMA-9-1#l=Week-2-Assignment/id4287887>.

 ”Platonic Realms Entryway.” Platonic Realms Entryway. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2012. <http://www.mathacademy.com/>.

Abbott, Edwin. “Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions.” N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2012. <https://cole.uconline.edu/content>.

Henderson, Linda. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” MIT Press. 17.3 (1984): 205-10. Print.

“Relativity by M.C. Escher - Facts & History of the Painting.” Totally History -, 17 July 2013, totallyhistory.com/relativity/.