Before this week’s lecture I would have never said that Math and Art have something in common. At the end of the 12th century Art and
Math were considered to be very separate; however, in the 13th century artists began to use the principles of mathematics in their
drawings. Not only did this combination make the pieces of art look much more
realistic but it created a new way of thinking for both the artist and his/her audience. Separately, art and science each have amazing qualities to contribute
to humanity, but when combined they have the ability to create something that the
world has never before seen.
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| M.C. Escher "Relativity" |
M.C. Escher’s drawing, “Relativity”, is a perfect
example of how math can be depicted in art. Escher focused on the division of
planes to create an image that is scientifically impossible (ascending and
descending at the same time) yet perfectly realistic to the human eye.
M.C. Escher also depicted the mathematical branch
of Topology, which focused on visual aspects of space that is uncharged by
distortions. In this drawing, "Mobius Strip II", the ants are all walking along
the same side of the path; however geometric shapes and the use of space make
the ants appear to be on different sides.
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| M.C. Escher's "Mobius Strip II" |
Robert J. Lang is a unique artist who depicts the
combination of art and science through origami. He uses geometric and algebraic
principles to create intricate origami pieces. Huzita-Hatori axiom is a mathematical style of folding. He uses this technique
to make beautiful origami pieces such as this one below.
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| Does this look like art to you? |
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| A result of mathematical origami |
Before I took this class I would
have never said that art, science, and math could be compared side by side because
they are completely different areas of interest. After what I learned
this week, I have changed my mind. I believe that math, art and science can indeed be placed beside each
other as not only do they all have something in common but they seem compliment each other in so many unique ways.
3. Glydon, Natasha. "The Mathematics of Art." Math Central. Math Central. Web. 9 Oct 2013. <http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/beyond/articles/Art/art1.html>.
4. Lang, Robert. "Huzita-Justin Axioms." Robert J. Lang Origami. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct 2013. <http://www.langorigami.com/science/math/hja/hja.php>.
5.M.C. Escher Company, . "Recognition and Success 1955-1972." The Official M.C. Escher Website. The M.C. Escher Company. Web. 9 Oct 2013. <http://www.mcescher.com/>.
M.C. Escher's works are both fascinating and puzzling to the human eye. It takes a second look to really try to understand how he portrays these impossible worlds so realistically. In "Relativity," it is so interesting how he uses 3 perspectives, or 3 "ups." In doing so, he creates three 3-dimensional worlds all in one image. The use of mathematics, along with the way he uses shading makes this illogical world seem possible. What is even more interesting is his use of faceless individuals that ascend and descend the stairs. The figures do not seem to be aware of one another, so they only add to the separateness of the 3 perspectives. Even though they are joined in unity in this piece, it is almost as though they live in different planes of existence.
ReplyDeleteI found this animation of "Relativity" very interesting and fun to watch this piece come to life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdgPvripL9A
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you; before this class, I never truly appreciated the connection between art, math and science. It is also interesting how many artists actually use math in their artwork. Like for example, many of Leonardo Da Vinci's works like The Vitruvian Man were carefully constructed to consider math and the correct portions.
I really enjoy the pieces you showed. I have never seen anything like that origami and never realized how much math it actually utilizes.