Unit 2: Math + Art

Perspective can be explained through complex mathematics. However, it is more simply experienced through visual representations. Our eyes perceive depth, space, proportion as we follow the lines towards the vanishing point. Without even consciously being aware of the mathematical concept, we can see the flat painting represented in a 3-dimensional space. Art prior to the use of perspective are distinctively non-realistic. We perceive no illusion of space and depth.

 We immediately notice the incorrect illusion of perspective in this painting "Entree de la Reine Isabeau de Baviere a Paris".

During the Renaissance, Brunelleschi uses mathematical principals to develop the formulation of linear perspective through the use of a single vanishing point. All lines in the plane converge to that point. By controlling the location of the spectator, the geometry of the objects is correct. Artists were able to create not only a beautiful but also realistic representation of the world.

In Leonardo da Vinci, "Last Supper", the use of linear perspective makes the painting realistic.

With more understanding of mathematics, manipulating view point, and perspective 2-D art can convincingly pass as 3-D objects.  3-D sidewalk chalk art is a perfect example. At the view point, the illusion is perfect. However, just step a little bit off and the art seems to be stretched and blurred.

The "Lego Teracotta Army" by Plane Streetpainting, fools the eye when viewed from the right angle.

However, when viewed from another angle, it looks distorted.

The juxtaposition of art and mathematics makes artworks stunningly realistic and mathematical concepts visually understandable.  Not only is math and art combined in perspective drawings, it is also used in origami, music, computations and film making. In essence: Art makes math beautiful. Math makes art beautiful.

Sources:

Jones, Jonathan. "3D Street Art: A Question of Perspective." The Guardian. 1 Feb. 2012. Web. 6 Apr. 2015. <http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/feb/01/3d-street-art>.

Lang, Robert. "Origami Mathematics." Origami Mathematics. Lang Origami, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 6 Apr. 2015. <http://www.langorigami.com/science/math/math.php>.

Burk, Phil, Larry Polansky, Douglas Repetto, Mary Roberts, and Dan Rockmore. "Music and Computers."Music and Computers. Web. 6 Apr. 2015. <http://music.columbia.edu/cmc/MusicAndComputers/>.

Stinson, Liz. "Wildly Detailed Drawings That Combine Math and Butterflies." CNN. Cable News Network, 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 6 Apr. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/10/world/wildly-detailed-drawings-that-combine-math-and-butterflies/>.