Week 2: Math+Art

I found this week’s readings and lecture to be extremely interesting. Contrary to popular belief, mathematics involves so much more than just logic and formulas; it also involves patterns, symmetry, structure, shape and beauty. Mathematics in the arts acts as a unique bridge that connects science and art and makes them one.

All of us have the ability to do both art as well as science. Mathematics is used extensively in the creation of good art and architecture. In fact, mathematics and art have a long historical relationship. Take for example the ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks who used the Golden Ratio, the ultimate connection of art and mathematics, to design and build monuments like the pyramids and the Parthenon.

Similarly, well reputed artists and painters made use of mathematics in their work. Piero de la Francesca was a leading artist and mathematician who believed that painting was composed of three parts- drawing, proportion and coloring. He studied in great detail the geometry of vision. Similarly, the great painter Leonardo da Vinci also fused mathematics and art. He studied the geometry of perspective. Thus we see that all great artists use mathematical principles and rules.

Even today, people who believe that they are working solely in the realm of art are using mathematics when they use computers. Mathematics, through the use of computers, is what is helping to bridge the gap between literary intellectuals and scientists.

I find this very interesting because many people choose to specialize in the arts since they hate science and mathematics and believe that by choosing a career in the arts, they will no longer have to study and apply mathematics. However, what people fail to realize is how integrated mathematics is in almost every aspect of life. When I came to UCLA as a freshman, I took some psychology classes in the belief that there would be no math involved. However, I was surprised to learn how closely integrated mathematics is even in a subject like psychology.

In this way, we see how good art consists of so much more than just mixing colors and painting on a canvas. People must realize that art requires just as much intellectual capacity as the sciences. Mathematics must be accepted as being an important part of art making and architecture.

WORKS CITED:

Field, Judith Veronica. Piero Della Francesca:A Mathematician's Art. London: Yale University Press, 2005. Print.  

Malkevitch, Joseph. “Mathematics and Art.” American Mathematical Society. Web. 8 April 2015.

Meisner, Gary. 2014. “Golden Ratio in Art Composition and Design.” Web.

Parveen, Nikhat. “Mathematics and Art.” http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/emat6680/parveen/Math_and_Art.htm. (accessed 8 April 2015).

Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics Pt1- Zero Perspective Golden Mean.” Online video. YouTube. UC Online, 9 April 2012. Web. 8 April 2015.