Week 2: Math + Art

After reading this week about the ways that math influences art and science, I have come to realize that there can hardly be a separation between math and art. Mathematics is an art in itself. It can be seen in so many cultures; origami, film, literature, music, architecture, and fine art. This week, I saw these elements while reading Edwin A. Abbott's "Flatland" as he uses geometric shapes to represent humans. I also saw began to see how artists use vanishing points within art to show certain figures closer or further away from the viewer in "Vanishing Points and Looking at Art" by Marc Frantz. It was also interesting to read how technology and science has impacted music through the use of frequency, pitch, and intervals in "Music and Computers: A Theoretical Approach." As seen below, without mathematics, we would not have some of the greatest works of art that have been seen in history. 

After taking an Art History class at UCLA, I was more aware of the mathematic elements that were involved in the early works of art during the Renaissance and Baroque time period. Topics such as linear perspective, proportions, and use of geometric elements of paintings and architecture were taught in this class. For example, one of the paints we studied was “St. Peter Healing a Cripple and the Raising of Tabitha”. Painted by Masolino, you can see below that there is a perfect convergence to the vanishing point from all parts of the painting. This allows objects that are in the distance to appear smaller. The technique of using linear perspective was extremely popular in art during the Renaissance time period.  You can view this painting below, or click on the following link to read more about Masolino and the topic of linear perspective in art. http://www.webexhibits.org/sciartperspective/raphaelperspective1.html

As a gymnast, I even seen mathematics used in my sport. In gymnastics, we have to manipulate our bodies in order to use Newton's Laws of Motion so we can complete certain skills safely and without injuring our bodies. For example, in order to complete as many flips as they can in the air, air time and rotational velocity are important, both being important mathematical components. The video below shows a difficult balance beam routine performed in a gymnastics competition. Elements of balance, spatial awareness, and laws of gravity must all be considered when a gymnast performs. 

Links to Sources Mentioned Above: 

http://www.cs.ucf.edu/courses/cap6938-02/refs/VanishingPoints.pdf

http://music.columbia.edu/cmc/MusicAndComputers/

http://www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/FL.HTM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcMxcRXEdzk

http://www.webexhibits.org/sciartperspective/raphaelperspective1.html

Works Cited: 

Burk, Phil. "Music and Computers." Music and Computers. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. 

Marc, Frantz. Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 

"MATHEMATICS AND ART." MATHEMATICS AND ART. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. 

"Perspective: The Rise of Renaissance Perspective." Perspective: The Rise of Renaissance Perspective. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.