When math contributes to art and science, a more complete
and visually stimulating product is formed. Before Brunelleschi developed the
rules of perspective and all artists employed these mathematical methods,
it was difficult to convey a three-dimensional plane on a two-dimensional
surface. From Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, author Edwin Abbott discusses how different visual
perspectives influence the interpretation of our surroundings. However, once
mathematical techniques were used, art became more life-like.
In Van Gogh’s A
Bedroom in Arles all of the lines converge to one place giving the feeling
of depth in this painting. The viewer is able to relate to the piece and feel
as if they could step into this painting and have a walk around the room.
Dr. Victoria Vesna also explained the “golden ratio,” ideal
proportions in accordance with space. This allowed man to perceive what the
ideal and what was thought to be perfect. For example, in the Parthenon, the architect
Iktinos consistently used “golden rectangles” to create a space devoted to the
divine.
It is also interesting to note that optical illusions are also used in the design so man could perceive complete perfection when viewing the building. The columns are slightly thicker in the middle so they are perceived as perfectly straight.
It is also interesting to note that optical illusions are also used in the design so man could perceive complete perfection when viewing the building. The columns are slightly thicker in the middle so they are perceived as perfectly straight.
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The image on the left depicts how the Parthenon would be perceived before optical corrections.
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Shifting to the realm of science, math has been able to encompass
what scientists consider naturalistic human behavior to a series of algorithms.
The founder of OkCupid.com explains the (seemingly simple) series of algorithms
that allow them to match couples.
This freaked me out a little. My emotions can be reduced to
numbers?! Though I appreciate an interdisciplinary analysis, I question how
much is too much and where the ethical line is drawn. Alas, innovation
continues and new, exciting discoveries are made each day.
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The Helix Bridge in Singapore doesn't just connect Marina Centre to Marina South. Resembling a DNA helix, the bridge is an impressive combination of science, art, and mathematics.
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Whether you utilize online dating or even the perceptual
cues from vanishing points, it is clear that the juxtaposition of math with art
and science has the power to create something truly extraordinary. The aesthetic
of math – a language of symbols orchestrated into infinite patterns – is able
to anchor art into the concrete and elevate science to the abstract.
Sources:
Sources:
"Flatland: A Romance of
Many Dimensions." Ed. Edwin Abbott. N.p., 1884. Web. 24 June 2016.
<http://www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/FL.HTM>.
Heng Ser Guan, Kevin. "The
Parthenon." Perspectives in Mathematics and Art. Ed. Helmer
Aslaksen. National University of Singapore, n.d. Web. 24 June 2016.
<http://www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/projects/perspective/parthenon.htm>.
Koppelman, Dorothy. "Van
Gogh's Bedroom at Arles." Aesthetic Realism Foundation. N.p., n.d.
Web. 24 June 2016. <http://aestheticrealism.org/van-goghs-bedroom-at-arles-by-dorothy-koppelman/>.
"Linear and Aerial
Perspective." Arty Factory. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2016.
<http://www.artyfactory.com/perspective_drawing/perspective_index.html>.
Narr. Christopher Rudder. TED,
2013. Web. 24 June 2016. <http://ed.ted.com/lessons/inside-okcupid-the-math-of-online-dating-christian-rudder>.
I really like the picture of Van Gogh's "A Bedroom in Arles". I also talked about how art makes visualizing math easier, and I think that this is a great example of that. After watching the video you posted I was also a little freaked out! It's crazy how OkCupid took all of that data and used a mathematical approach to match certain people together! Very interesting.
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