Week 2: Math & Art

Mathematics and art are definitely two aspects of human society that I would never imagine to come together to essentially create much more realistic and appealing portraits. Dr. Vesna's lecture this week delves into the idea of how the introduction of mathematics allows artists to create pieces that reflect different perspectives and ultimately allow artists to express themselves more fully. This relates directly to the concepts that Abbott brings up in his article, as he claims that we can perceive things quite differently once we see things in different perspectives. She also explores idea of different perspectives--artificial, natural, linear, etc.-- and how this East-originated concept creates an avenue for artists to produce more realistic art pieces. 

(Leonardo Da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" / https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/vitruvian-man-may-have-had-hernia-180949806/)

Furthermore, Dr. Vesna continues with her lecture and teaches about the Golden Mean, specifically giving an example of the Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. This drawing by Da Vinci is considered the ideal human proportions, which is supported by basic geometic concepts and the Golden Mean. Similarly, Diane Mize writes in her article that this Golden Ratio is essential for good structure and design in art pieces, mentioning the Golden Ratio within the works of Da Vinci and also the pyramids of Egypt. Moreover, Linda Henderson talks about the inclusion of geometry in modern art, which is also apparent in historical pieces like the Vitruvian Man. M.C. Escher explores the influence of geometry in art, as he distorts certain shapes in order to produce stimulating art. 

(An example of modern art that includes geometric concepts / https://www.eleventyonestudio.com/listing/485624298/reclaimed-wood-wall-art-wood-decor)

Overall, these concepts still play a huge role in our modern society, especially when it comes to society's view on beauty and aesthetics. Many artists and scientists have thought to have generated a "perfect face" that is in fact the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Even this "perfect face" relates directly to concepts of geometry and mathematics. The connection between mathematics and art has been and still is prominent, further depicting that two concepts that you would never imagine to ever relate oftentimes do. 

(An example of a "perfect face" in today's society/ https://www.koreaboo.com/buzz/scientists-generated-perfect-faceand-looks-like-kim-tae-hee-irene/)

References

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

Henderson, Linda. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” MIT Press. 17.3 (1984): 205-10. Print.

Mize, Diane. “A Guide to the Golden Ratio (AKA Golden Section or Golden Mean) for Artists.” A Guide to the Golden Ratio (AKA Golden Section or Golden Mean) for Artists. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. <http://emptyeasel.com/2009/01/20/a-guide-to-the-golden-ratio-aka-golden-section-or-golden-mean-for-artists/>.

Smith, B. Sidney. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." Platonic Realms Minitexts. Platonic Realms, 13 Mar 2014. Web. 13 Mar 2014. <http://platonicrealms.com/>

Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg&feature=player_embedded>