Week 2 | Math + Art |

While math and art are commonly thought to be quite unrelated, they both similarly have their roots in nature as we see with the fractals, which are repeating patterns at every scale. Fractals are often thought to be solely a mathematical concept, with computer scientists using it in modern-day computing and science; however as explained in African Fractals by Ron Eglash, organic fractal designs such as tree branches and algae have been used “for centuries to design textiles, sculptures, architecture, hairstyles and more” by Africans. 

Figure 1 - "Koch Curve Loop"
http://www.collegeenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gif81.gif

The website reminded me of a book called Sacred Geometry by Miranda Lundy; Lundy gives insight on how matter may be organized into particular shapes (such as fractals) and explores the relationships between shapes, mathematics, music, and physics. Referring to Figure 2, Lundy explains that these patterns “form the basis for pattern construction in many traditions of sacred and decorative art across the world. They can be found underlying Celtic and Islamic patterns and in the natural world they appear as crystal and cellular structures” (Sacred Geometry 100). I feel that this ties in nicely with Eglash’s view and corroborates the idea that both art and math originate from the observation of nature. 

Figure 2 - Image from Sacred Geometry

An example of an artist whose artwork is heavily influenced by mathematics is M.C. Escher. Escher, who had only received secondary school level mathematics training, created works that were recognized as “an extraordinary visualization of mathematical principles”. Escher’s arguably greatest work, Relativity, conforms to this notion as its focus is based on the manipulation of the laws of gravity and perspective.

Figure 3 - Escher's Relativity
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a3/Escher%27s_Relativity.jpg

One more recent style of art that I find interesting is “glitch art”; it is a great representation of art coming together with mathematics and specifically computer science. Generally, glitch art is created by taking a digital photograph and distorting it by altering its data using text editor. An example of glitch art would be Mathieu St-Pierre’s Caffeine 4 shown below. I believe that glitches are similar to fractals in that glitches and fractals are normally associated with computer science/math, however they have in fact found their way into art and even music (glitch hop). 

Figure 4 - Caffeine 4 by St-Pierre
https://matstpierre.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/image42.jpg

From exploring entire mathematical concepts like Escher’s work to glitch art used to express great distortions or in pieces like Caffeine 4, eccentricity and energy, mathematics has woven its way within art and science and its effects are limitless. 

Citations

• Eglash, Ron. "African Fractals." African Fractals. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
• Koch Curve Loop. Digital image. College Envy. N.p., Mar. 2014. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
• Lundy, Miranda. Sacred Geometry. New York: Walker, 2001. Print.
• Escher, Maurits C. Relativity. Digital image. Wikimedia. N.p., 27 Sept. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.
• St-Pierre, Mathieu. Caffeine 4. Digital image. Wordpress. N.p., 30 July 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.