Unit 2: Math and Art

 Math and Art

In material engineering, we apply both mathematical and art concepts. This week’s topic attempts to show how the two relate and it thus follows that engineering is a perfect example of how art and math are used. I also came to learn that various artists actually use mathematics to come up with amazing pieces, and in her lecture, professor Vesna states that Mathematics symbols are actually forms of art thus confirming that art and math are related. In addition to that, it was interesting to learn about the vitruvatian Man and the golden ratio concept. Professor Vesna pointed out that the two are some of the example of geometry and symmetry in architecture and nature.

Art in Engineering

www.ecofriend.com

Another interesting point learnt this week is that not until recently did artists start incorporating mathematical concepts into their pieces. This has greatly contributed in ensuring that the pieces are more realistic. In addition to that, I found M.C. Escher’s work quite impressive and unique. It was amazing to see how an artiste can incorporate both math and art to come up with amazing pieces of art. It is not surprising that his work has been used to bring out various mathematical concepts and ideas. He employed topological distortions and transformations, strange or multiple perspectives, and visual recursion.

M. C. Escher Tessellation

http://fineartebooks.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/when-art-intersects-with-mathematics-constantin-brancusi-m-c-escher-and-cristian-todie/

Apart from that, another important point that I was able to note is that mathematics actually inspires art. Mathematical patterns and designs are usually too precise, too symmetrical and too mechanical in the eyes of an artist and building from these designs and patterns, artists are able to transform the mathematical art into a truly inspired image or art form.

Math Meets Art for Prof Coxeter

http://www.math.toronto.edu/coxeter/art-math.html

 

 

 Work Cited

Burk, Philip, et al. Music and computers. 2013. Web. 11 Oct 2013 <http://music.columbia.edu/cmc/MusicAndComputers/>.

Gupta, Arvind. The interesting connection between math and music. 2009.Web. 11 Oct 2013 <http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/interesting+connection+between+math+music/1473881/story.html>.

Schattschneider. D and College. M. Mathematics and Art -So Many Connections. 2003. Web. 11 Oct 2013. <http://www.mathaware.org/mam/03/essay3.html>

Mathacademy. The mathematical art of M.C. Escher . 2013. Web. 11 Oct 2013 <http://www.mathacademy.com/pr/minitext/escher/>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov”. Cole UC online. YouTube. 9 April 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg&feature=player_embedded>