Week 2 - Art and Science

Although many modern social beliefs typically dictate the arts and mathematics as distinct disciplines, one can soon find that the two are quite intertwined. Indeed, when focusing on the application of mathematics in art, it’s evident that math is critical in the study of visual art, for in order to replicate geometric shapes in one’s work, the use of mathematical techniques and concepts is a necessity. Moreover, mathematics additionally influences the arts by offering mechanisms to present notions in newfound manners, as well as encouraging artists to move beyond traditional artistry by expressing avant-garde styles.

Raphael's "School of Athens" with superimposed
lines pointing towards the vanishing point. 
Foremost, mathematics influences the arts by providing numerous techniques that individuals can utilize to develop their pieces. For example, the vanishing point shows a logical, mathematical system where three-dimensional spaces can be portrayed on two-dimension surfaces (Dauben). It plays a role in perspective which ultimately produces realism, or representing the physical reality into the artist’s interpretative work. Finally, the golden ratio is a geometric ratio that, when replicated in art, is said to produce a harmonic and complete effect. This new depiction of reality was made possible due to mathematics.

The novel Flatland presents an example of a literary work that utilizes mathematical concepts like geometric figures to espouse social critiques. In doing so, it additionally offers an examination of the world’s numerous dimensions. Hence, this novel further supports the notion that artistry and mathematics are indeed convergent disciplines that are complementary and beneficial for the other. 

Marcel Duchamp's "The Passage from
Virgin to Bride" uses a 4D concept.
Lastly, utilizing mathematics in artistry offers artists the possibility of expressing new varieties of artistic interpretations of the world -- mathematics, for instance, aided in the development of modern art and theory. In her article, Henderson mentions how, to artists, the discovery of the fourth dimension was a symbol of liberation as it enabled artists to depart from visual reality and to reject traditional perspective systems (205). Indeed, the newfound belief in a fourth dimension was an important incentive for artists to create abstract art.

The work of Piet Mondrian is a good example of mathematics's influence on art. Primarily, throughout his work, Mondrian used mathematics, simple geometrical shapes, and primary colors to express reality and logic through a new perspective. He utilized the golden ratio in his pieces through his usage of a golden rectangle. Further, he simplified his subjects down to the most basic elements to reveal the essence of energy and the balance of forces that governs the universe (2). As such, Mondrian used math as a way to espouse his notions of the world and his ideologies through his art. 

Piet Mondrian's "Composition II with Red, Blue, and Yellow"


WORKS CITED

Abbott, Edwin A. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Penguin Classics, 1884. 

Dauben, Joseph W. “Brunelleschi and the Origion of Linear Perspective.” 16 Jan. 2006. 

Duchamp, Marcel. The Passage from Virgin to Bride. 1912. Museum of Modern Art, New York City. fourthdimensionfacts.wordpress.com. https://fourthdimensionfacts.wordpress.com/2015/05/15/fourth-dimension-in-art/

Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidian Geometry in Modern Art.”

Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art. Marc Frantz, 2000.

Mondrian, Piet. Composition II with Red, Blue, and Yellow. 1930. National Museum, Belgrade. Arthipo.com. https://www.arthipo.com/composition-2-with-red-blue-and-yellow-piet-mondrian.html

“Piet Mondrian Artist Overview and Analysis”. The Art Story, The Art Story Foundation, 15 Oct. 2012, www.theartstory.org/artist/mondrian-piet/.

Raphael. The School of Athens. 1509. Raphael Rooms, Vatican City. http://www.webexhibits.org http://www.webexhibits.org/sciartperspective/raphaelperspective3.html

 




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