Week 2: Math & Art

    Mathematics provides a framework for artists and scientists to explore and understand the world around them. Specifically, the study of non-Euclidean geometry and the concept of the fourth dimension has had a significant impact on modern art. Artists such as Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali incorporated these mathematical ideas into their works. 

Figure 1: Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2

    Some famous works include Duchamp's famous painting "Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2," which is based on the concept of motion in the fourth dimension, and Picasso's cubist paintings that used the principles of non-Euclidean geometry. These artists used these mathematical principles to create a sense of multiple perspectives and shattered the traditional notion of a single fixed viewpoint. It creates a sense of movement in a way that is not possible in traditional two-dimensional art.

Figure 2. Four Dimensions

    In addition, the influence of mathematics on art has gone beyond the visual arts and has impacted music and literature. Composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Charles Ives used mathematical principles to create innovative new music styles, and how writers such as James Joyce and Gertrude Stein incorporated mathematical ideas into their literature. More and more artists are creating interactive digital art that utilizes mathematical concepts and algorithms to create complex visual patterns and shapes. 

Figure 3. Math Art: Computer Art

    It shows that mathematics can be used to represent and visualize complex concepts and phenomena, allowing for a deeper understanding of the natural world. The relationship between mathematics, art, and science is a two-way street. While mathematics has influenced art and science, art and science have also influenced mathematics, inspiring new mathematical concepts and discoveries.


Sources:

  1. Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: a romance of many dimensions. G&D Media, 2022.

  2. Cooper, Luke. “Art and Mathematics. How the Two Worlds Assist in Building… | by Luke Cooper | Nice Slice.” Medium, 10 August 2019, https://medium.com/nice-slice/art-and-mathematics-a2677a515450. Accessed 14 April 2023.

  3. Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. The fourth dimension and non-Euclidean geometry in modern art. Mit Press, 2018.

  4. Ornes, Stephen. “For these artists, math is their muse.” Science News Explores, 6 June 2019, https://www.snexplores.org/article/math-is-muse-for-these-artists. Accessed 14 April 2023.

  5. Selikoff, Nathan. “Playing at the intersection of interactivity, math, and code.” Nathan Selikoff, https://www.nathanselikoff.com/. Accessed 14 April 2023.

Images: 

  1. Franke, Herbert W. “Math Art (1980-1995) by Herbert W. Franke.” Quantum Art, 31 May 2022, https://quantum.art/collection/math-art. Accessed 14 April 2023.

  2. “Nude Descending a Staircase (No. 2).” Philadelphia Museum of Art, https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/51449. Accessed 14 April 2023.

  3. Selikoff, Nathan. “Playing at the intersection of interactivity, math, and code.” Nathan Selikoff, https://www.nathanselikoff.com/. Accessed 14 April 2023.


Comments

  1. Audrey LeApril 16, 2023 at 5:10 PM

    Hi Kristie, I really love your incorporation of different artists when discussing mathematics and arts in this post. I never knew about Arnold Schoenberg and Gertrude Stein in their respective art fields, so your mention of them prompted me to research more about their innovative work! Thanks for motivating me to broaden my knowledge of these influential artists who creatively intertwine mathematics and the arts!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alessandro FerreiraApril 16, 2023 at 7:01 PM

    Hey Kristie, I really found the different incorporation of math to art fairly interesting when initially reading this. You brought up quite a few points I never thought to include such as the role of the fourth dimension in art and also the mathematical application to music. Just one thing to add though is that there are also means for art to be applied to the sciences and math, such as weaving in computing. Overall, great blog!

    ReplyDelete

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