Mathematics has always been an integral part of my life; a
subject I have become very fond of as it has a significant impact on sports
statistics and analytics. My vision towards math as a subject has been narrowed
to my interests; however, math has a direct impact on both art and science to a
much greater effect than I believed. After
this week’s material, I now see art and architecture having significant
mathematical influences. Through vanishing points, Leonardo da Vinci’s
perspective in his artwork, and the golden ratio, math has a fundamental and
structural influence on art.
Specifically
taking a look at the work of vanishing points and perspective from Leonardo Da
Vinci we can see the importance math plays on his artwork. A vanishing point in
his paintings can be seen where all the lines on a plane that are parallel to
one another have the same vanishing point. Using this definition of a vanishing
point, the image using the perspective of The Last Summer displays that there
is a vanishing point in the center of the artwork just behind the figure of
Jesus. This artwork depicts the fundamentals of math, where lines, rectangles,
and squares are used in a plethora of ways to create a piece of art
representative of something more complex than just basic shapes.
This
week I have learned that artists use mathematics as the most basic and
structural part of the artwork as a whole. Math dictates the imagery of the art
and how another individual will view the completed piece. Using math, an artist
is able to create a foundation to express ideas and concepts that may not have
been realized without it.
The
juxtaposition of mathematics, art, and science is that they all are distinctly
different subjects, which together can be combined to create more sophisticated
elements and products. Mathematics is simply numbers and shapes, while art and
science is taking those shapes and extending upon that concept to create a much
more sophisticated product.
Art and Math. 2013. Art and
Math. Web Image. 10 Apr. 2016.
Frantz, Marc.
"Vanishing Points and Looking at Art." 2000. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.
Hague, Matthew. "In
Search of the Golden Ratio in Architecture." The Globe and Mail. Web. 10
Apr. 2016.
Last Supper Perspective Lines. N.d. Leonardo Da Vinci.
Web Image. 10 Apr. 2016.
Smith, Sidney B. "The Mathematical Art of M.C.
Escher." The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher. N.p., n.d. Web. 10
Apr. 2016.
I found it interesting that you were able to find the vanishing points on specific pieces of art. Additionally, I liked that you were able to explain how math helps artists create works that are much better than they would be without the use of math.
ReplyDeleteYour comments on vanishing points were very interesting. Also, I find the juxtaposition of math, art, and science extremely intriguing as well, and like how you connected each of these elements.
ReplyDeleteI can tell by your writing that this subject is one that interests you. I thought that you did a good job describing vanishing points. I also liked the example you gave in the picture of the squares which clearly shows the vanishing points of a multitude of lines. Keep up the good work Jared!
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