Week 2: Math + Art
From the first lectures and readings, the main focus was on locating the third culture that connected the huminites and the sciences. In this week’s readings, I learned that the medium that connects the two (art and science) is mathematics. When we think of computers and other electronics that we use on a daily day basis, we do not think about mathematics necessarily. At a deeper level, these forms of technology utilize complex mathematical systems for their operation. Mathematics is critical in the field of the visual arts even if we are aware of it or not. Anything from drawing or sculpting requires the use of math to calculate dimensions. In the reading “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art,” Henderson emphasizes the paradigm shift in Euclidean geometry that led to the creation of this fourth dimension. By including a higher dimension of space, artists were able to transcend their standard forms of expression and occupy new mediums. Writers could now “depart from the line and move into the plane.” (Henderson 206). Painters could “leave the plane and occupy space.” (Henderson 206)
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| Deadmau5 Initial Rendering of Cube 3.0 Set Design |
From the weekly resources, I learned about examples of math art, math and music, fractals, and even origami. An example that comes to mind is not from these reading materials, but rather from personal experience. An artist that comes to mind is Electronic Music Producer Deadmau5. Deadmau5 creates musical masterpieces by solely using computers and digital editing software. Even on his set design, he uses geometrical shapes to create what he calls “the Cube.” By utilizing mathematics in the form of computers and geometric set designs, he can express himself and create this musical art.
However, the use of computers is not the only way for artists and scientists to use mathematics in their creative work and expression. One may think that the use of mathematics in science is more prevalent than it is in art. Science does heavily rely on mathematics to explain the functions of the word. However, painters can also use geometrical concepts to show perspective in their drawings. By doing this, they can portray 3-dimension space on a 2-dimensional canvas.
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| Masolino's 'St.Peter Healing a Cripple and the Raising of Tabitha' (1425) |
I have learned that with a paradigm shift in mathematics, also comes a change in ways for artists and scientists to express themselves. We saw this first with the introduction of the number “0” and again with the institution of Non-Euclidean geometry. With the current advancement in science and technology, I expect to see more complex ways in which artists can express themselves. These advanced forms of expression explain how the juxtaposition of mathematics, art, and science can look in the future.
Henderson, Linda. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” Leonardo, vol. 17, 1984, pp. 205–210.
Masolino’s ‘St. Peter Healing a Cripple and the Raising of Tabitha’ (1425).” Science of Art and Perspective. http://www.webexhibits.org/sciartperspective/raphaelperspective1.html
MasterClass. “deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production | Official Trailer | MasterClass.” YouTube, YouTube, 15 Nov. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtj6dDARgfQ.
Online, UC, director. YouTube. YouTube, YouTube, 9 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=897&v=mMmq5B1LKDg.
Staff, Edm.com. “ DEADMAU5 SHARES INITIAL RENDERING OF CUBE 3.0 STAGE CONCEPT.” Edm.com, edm.com/news/deadmau5-rendering-cube-3-0.
I really liked how you pictured mathematics as a 'medium', and not only a 'means'. A medium is something that seems more invasive and involves participation from the audience in order to use it. Also, the fact that you used a personal experience in your blog reflects how deeply you conceived the concept of math and art and how you made it 'yours'. Finally, the mention of the painting that resembled the Euclidian geometry gives a hint of how deeply you thought about this and how you really dig into art and how it can go beyond the mere scope of 'art' itself, by using the mediums of science and mathematics to enrich and expand its scope.
ReplyDeleteI particularly enjoyed reading your post this week especially because of how you connected this week’s concept to something from popular culture. While Professor Vesna provides plenty of insightful examples of how the disciplines of art, science, and math all meld together, your example of using Deadmau5. Your example really helped provide another perspective for me and enforced how important it is that we appreciate innovation. The fact that Deadmau5 utilizes math to create his music makes me more interested in them especially because there is something so meaningful calculated to his music composition.
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