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Week 2: Mathematics and Art

I’ve always noticed math in art and art in math. From the graphs and figures in math problems to the use of measurements and dimensions in different areas of arts, the two have a mutual dependence on one another. Linda Dalrymple Henderson mentioned the relationship in The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion, by stating “in the development of new metaphors for space artists, physicists, and mathematicians are in step.” Henderson suggests that concepts of space, such as dimensions, artists are keeping up with mathematicians and physicists as it affects the artist’s line of work. This shows that regardless of what broad topic is being studied, there consist many different angles needed to be observed to fully understand the subject.

(The math and art relationship in music)

Math can be seen in paintings, sculptures, and music. According to the online text, Music and Computers, the impact of math in music started a “revolution” in the music world. The use of the word “revolution” illustrates this impact as math has been used in technology to affect music quality and content. Furthermore, mathematics has been used for measurement calculation in a multitude of art fields such as paintings, drawings, and sculpture design.  Examples of significant arithmetic include deriving proportions between different features of the art to create an overall more realistic artistic product. A classic and historical example of art supported by math is Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, a beautifully detailed drawing of a man with highly proportional facial features. Walter Isaacson, author of Leonardo Da Vinci, mentioned that the Vitruvian Man is based on the geometric measurements of Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. In this example, math helped facilitate the creation of one of the world’s best-known pieces of art.

(Vitruvian Man - shapes and measurements used for accurate proportions)

As an engineering major, I understand how dependent the study of mathematics is on visual art. When doing assignments for classes, I regularly find myself drawing different perspectives of my diagrams so that I can gain a complete understanding of the problem. When I read “Flatland,” I felt that there was a clear description of the different perspectives of the various dimensions. In a way, the author used art to illustrate the concept to the reader by using geometry to describe the shapes of the different point of views of an object. Every person learns in a different way, and I believe the field of art helps people understand ideas better, especially mathematical concepts.

Citation:

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

Burk, Phil, et al. “Music and Computers.” Music and Computers, 2011, sites.music.columbia.edu/cmc/MusicAndComputers/.

David, Jack H. Mathematics of Music.

Henderson, Lynda. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art.” N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2012. <https://cole.uconline.edu/content>.

Isaacson, Walter. “The Inspiration Behind Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.” Medium, Medium, 14 Apr. 2018, medium.com/s/leonardo-da-vinci/the-inspiration-behind-leonardo-da-vincis-vitruvian-man-974c525495ec.

“Vitruvian Man, C.1492 Art Print by Leonardo Da Vinci at Art.com.” Art.com, www.art.com/products/p10283236-sa-i823017/leonardo-da-vinci-vitruvian-man-c-1492.htm.