Mathematics + Art

Mathematics and Art have long been viewed as two polar ends on the spectrum of personal aptitude and interest, both in terms of school and every day hobbies. While this may be true on the surface, for those that like to categorize these two subjects neatly into the categories of "left brained" and "right brained" skills, the two are actually beautifully intertwined and mathematics can transform art, adding depth, perception, and a formulaic approach that can enhance the visual appeal of a piece of art, be it a painting, sculpture, or simple and delicate origami. 

Many central concepts in art have their basis in mathematics. The idea of perspective has its very basis in math, with the idea of linear perspective and vanishing point, which was first formulated by Bruchelleschi in 1413. Connections between mathematics and art are further solidified as Alhazen, in his Book of Optics, not only laid out basic artistic principles in regards to the eye, but also laid out the foundation for the modern scientific method.

Edwin Abbott Abbott's Flatland beautifully proved the opposite to be true, that art can be used to enhance mathematics, or at least our understanding of it. He used basic storytelling elements to artfully employ emotion and visual stimuli to strengthen reader's understanding of mathematical concepts. He played on the strengths of those with a finesse for art to broaden their scope of knowledge into the mathematical sphere, just as mathematicians are able to make sense of properties of art by recognizing the mathematical elements within them.

Mathematics, science, and art are not only carefully juxtaposed in reality, but are rather inherently intertwined. They add depth to one another and understanding of one can lead to aptitude in another. They enhance the experience one may have with the others and help one fully develop an appreciation from all perspectives of art, mathematics, and science.

References:

Robert J. Lang. Mathematical Origami. 10 April 2015.

Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland a Romance of Many Dimensions. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg, 199. Print.

Smith, B. Sidney. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." Platonic Realms Minitexts. Platonic Realms, 13 Mar 2014.

Vesna, Victoria. https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-2-view?module_item_id=6472138. April 10 2015.

Marc Franz. Lesson 3:

Vanishing Points and
Looking at Art. 2000. 10 April 2015.