Math + Art

        Although the differences between math and art are more obvious, this weeks readings also illuminated the many similarities and how the two draw from each other to produce new, innovative contributions to their respective fields. One of the more prevalent uses of mathematics in art is through computer generated music. Another common application of math is in the coding involved in animation and a less obvious connection is within the artistic strategy of playing with dimension and angles to manipulate perspective and display something ordinary in a unique and abstract way.

One artist that comes to mind when thinking about the connection between art and math is Picasso. Picasso aided the rise of the cubism movement in the artistic community in the early 20th century. This technique required the arrangement and manipulation of geometric figures to produce intricate characters. The way he compiles random figures in such a precise way requires numerous calculations and mathematic considerations. 

Both math and science rely more heavily on reason, and art on creativity, however they are related in that they are all culturally significant forms of expression that aid the development of our society as a whole. Both artists and scientists employ mathematics to cultivate new developments in their fields whether it is used for calculation, creation or both. Without the presence of mathematics in either of these fields, the possibilities for growth would be far too limited.

Sources

Abbott, Edwin. FlatLand: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Print.

Boddy-Evans, Marion. “Understanding Perspective in Art.” ThoughtCo, 6 Feb. 2018, www.thoughtco.com/perspective-in-paintings-2578098.

"How Technology Changes Music." The Real Musician. Web.

“Math in the Movies.” Mathematical Association of America, www.maa.org/meetings/calendar-events/math-in-the-movies.

“Pablo Picasso's Cubism Period- 1909 to 1912.” Pablo Picasso, 2009, www.pablopicasso.org/cubism.jsp.