As a maths major, I see myself as someone who is well acquainted with how mathematics influences different fields like the arts. Before the lecture and readings, I knew that mathematics is often used in sculptures, like the golden ratio for the Pantheon as explained in the lecture and the geometry of space for Escher’s impossible drawings like “Up and Down” introduced by the website, “The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher”.
Up and Down; lithograph, 1947
http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/
I also understood the intricate relationship between music and maths as I was classically trained in piano: each note on a piano has a specific frequency and all major and minor chords follow a specific pattern. As suggested by “Music and Computers”, technology has helped music progress through the years through improving its storage and production.
Mathematical relationship between musical beats
https://infinitepiphany.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/note-duration-relationship.png
However, when I watched Robert Lang’s “Mathematical Origami” and read his “Origami Mathematics”, I was pleasantly surprised as I have not read or heard anything about that before. I have folded little origami hearts and birds since I was little, but I didn’t realise the mathematical ideas behind each paper fold. Robert explained that origami actually follows mathematical axioms and by understanding them, we can make impressive figures like a 3D beetle or goat just by using one piece of paper. In fact, back in the day in Japan, origami was very simple. With the advanced understanding of mathematics, the art of origami nowadays has risen to an impressive level.
I believe this is a perfect example of how mathematics interacts with art: as the understanding of mathematics progresses, art is therefore improved. Art also encourages the development of mathematics, as shown by Escher’s “Waterfall”. It challenges the natural law of conservation of energy and displays an “impossible” concrete illustration to what mathematicians thought was a purely abstract idea.
Koi fish origami using one piece of paper
http://www.langorigami.com/art/gallery/gallery.php?name=scaled_koi
I believe this is a perfect example of how mathematics interacts with art: as the understanding of mathematics progresses, art is therefore improved. Art also encourages the development of mathematics, as shown by Escher’s “Waterfall”. It challenges the natural law of conservation of energy and displays an “impossible” concrete illustration to what mathematicians thought was a purely abstract idea.
Sources
Burk, Phil, Larry Polansky, Douglas Repetto, Mary Roberts, and Dan Rockmore. "Music and Computers." Music and Computers. Columbia University Music Department. Web. 5 Apr. 2015. <http://music.columbia.edu/cmc/MusicAndComputers/>.
Lang, Robert. "Origami Mathematics." Origami Mathematics. Web. 5 Apr. 2015. <http://www.langorigami.com/science/math/math.php>.
Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov. Youtube, 2012. Film.
Mathematical Origami. TED Talk, 2008. Film.
Smith, B. Sidney. "The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." Platonic Realms Minitexts. Platonic Realms, 13 Mar 2014. Web. 5 Apr 2015. <http://platonicrealms.com/>
Hi Ruby!
ReplyDeleteIt was fascinating to consider the mathematical principles behind 3D origami folding, something I had never really considered before. I was intrigued by the specific examples you provided regarding the intricately folded designs that can be achieved with an advanced understanding of mathematics. I also enjoyed the perspective you presented about art and math progressing together, in a synergistic relationship. The various points you brought up inspired me to start thinking about potential future directions of this intersection between math and art. In considering future possibilities, I think we should also think about how technology will continue to impact our understanding of math, which can therefore influence the progression of unprecedented forms of art.
hi, I agree with your points. I think math and art are closely related. When we have to draw circle or angle, it is actually related to art work. Additionally, I have learned piano as well and i understand how it related to math, not to mention its relationship with computer technology. I think the way you talked about the connection between music and math is very interesting. Music and math look like two independent knowledge but when we put together, they are literally connected.
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