Mathematics and art are two fields that are often disconnected with each other as people who are in one typically do not associate themselves with the other. However, it has become very clear that there is really a huge relationship between these two fields and that they can both influence each other. Professor Vesna’s lecture discusses the ways that mathematics have influenced art. One very important way that this has happened is through the use of computers and the influence of technology on art. Another source that provided insight to the influence of math on art is Marc Frantz’ “Vanishing Points and Looking at Art” where he discusses the mathematical idea of the vanishing point and how the elements of nature and reality can be manipulated in art. One final insight towards the relation of mathematics and art is Robert Lang’s origami. He says that “mathematics both describes and enables the creation of beautiful forms” which is something that can bee seen in his beautiful origami creations. 
One example of this connection between art and mathematics is M.C. Escher’s famous optical illusions. In this photo, you can first see the beautiful drawings and the detail seen only by a professional artist. But when you begin to look at it more, you see the intricacies involved and as something that must have been calculated. The shadows, the lines, and many other aspects of the drawing lead you to question what it is you are really seeing. He used his artistic abilities but also drew upon mathematical ideas including non-Euclidian geometries as well as plane and projective geometries. 
There is the clear juxtaposition of mathematics and art. We see it in our everyday lives and most of us have experienced it in one way or another. Many of us consider ourselves to be art people and therefore we aren't math people or vica-versa. However, through this week’s lectures and readings, we can see how the two are very much related and can influence each other greatly. There are so many advancements that have been made in art due to the introduction of math. Ranging from the more modern use of computers and technology to create the most advanced and difficult shapes to the earlier knowledge produced on vanishing points and linear perspective from Brunelleschi. Looking at Edwin Abbot’s “Flatland” we see how important the intersection of these two fields are. He argues that we are lucky to live in space as opposed to a flatland where, much like shadows, straight lines and other shapes remain “without the power of rising above or sinking below [the surface].” So just by understanding the influence of mathematics in the art of our own realities, we can see how there really isn’t the juxtaposition rather, the connection of these two fields.
References
Abbott, Edwin. “Section 1 Of the Nature of Flatland.” Flatland, 1884, www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/F01.HTM.
Franz, Marc. Vanishing Points and Looking at Art. 2000, Retrieved from www.cs.ucf.edu/courses/cap6938-02/refs/VanishingPoints.pdf.
Lang, Robert. “Robert J. Lang Origami.” Robert J. Lang Origami, 2018, Retrieved from langorigami.com/#home-more.
Smith, B. Sidney. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." Platonic Realms Minitexts. Platonic Realms, 13 Mar 2014. Web. 13 Mar 2014. Retrieved from http://platonicrealms.com.
Vesna, V. (2019). Mathematics and Art. [Video Lecture]. Retrieved from https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/1067208/pages/unit-2-view?module_item_id=26086622.
Hi Emma,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was very interesting how you discussed how the elements of nature can be manipulated in art through math, as often we just think of representation of nature as simply art on its own. I also was interested in the topic of illusions, as they are always intriguing to me and the calculations behind their creation draw upon the connection between math and art. The unique portrayal of an illusion causes different viewers to see different things, which is a form of art supported by calculations.
- Audrey Goodman