When it comes to math and how it influenced science and art
it becomes very hard to compare math with art. Math has rules you must follow
in order to get to your ultimate goal of solving the problem. This is not the
case for art. Art is a free flowing expression of your mind, with no rules to
follow. You can do whatever you want. Leonardo da Vinci once said “art lives
from constraints “ (1), this means that art thrives on people putting restrictions
on it, art goes past those limitations. But when you look at math and art in a
deeper way you can see that there is a relation between the two. April
according to the American Mathematical Society happens to be Mathematics
Awareness Month and their focus this year’s theme is Mathematics and Art. The relation
of art and mathematics has to do with one of the greatest artist and engineer the
world has ever known. Leonard da Vinci was a man the exuded confidence and
wisdom as seen in Figure One Ams.com states,
“some individuals known as artists have needed or use mathematical thinking to
carry out their artistic vision . . . such an artist was Leonardo da Vinci” (2).
Da Vinci’s most famous piece of art is the Mona Lisa as seen in Figure Two, it is a painting that is described
as art and nothing more or less. This cannot be said for other pieces of Da
Vinci’s work. Take Figure Three for
example, it is Da Vinci’s rendition of a helicopter. This is a perfect example
of how art and mathematics can come together. The juxtaposition is clear. Math
and art both have to follow some rules but they also have a free flowing
element to them. Even math where you have to follow rules allows its self to
have a bit of freethinking in it. “Essentially, if art isn't washing away the dust accumulating on
your soul, it might be cleaning up your brain instead.” (3)
Figure One |
Figure Two |
Figure Three |
Bibliography (Pictures – In Order of Appearance)
1.
http://hypescience.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/vida-e-obra-de-leonardo-da-vinci-6.jpg
2.
http://webneel.com/leonardo-da-vinci-paintings-drawings
3.
http://www.buzzle.com/images/public-domain/flying-helicopter.jpg
Bibliography (Quotes – In Order of Appearance)
1.
http://www.art-quotes.com/auth_search.php?authid=243#.VSr5i1z4tFI
2.
http://www.history.com/topics/leonardo-da-vinci
3.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/08/how-art-changes-your-brain_n_5567050.html
Hi Blake,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. It was organized and very honest. I myself used the Mona Lisa to depict a relationship between mathematics and art. I see how mathematics can influence art, but can we say the same about art influencing mathematics? How so?
Hey Blake,
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of your post, however in figure 2 (Mona Lisa) I am wondering if it is all art like you have stated. If my art history serves me correct, I remember that this painting appears to be looking at you from all angles in the room. Simple graphs that we grow up seeing become inadequate and therefore we need a three dimensional space to truly appreciate this phenomena. So maybe that is an answer to Rachel's question as well.
Trent