In this week’s lesson, I came to a better understanding on how mathematics is the bridge between art and science. As mentioned in Dr. Vesna’s lecture, mathematics, in general, is the study of numbers and structures that serve as an essential tool in both fields. In science, mathematics is the basis in which all theories are found upon. In arts, all the different dimensions, shapes, and perspectives are due to these mathematical formulas. Thus putting this together, math is both an art (a way of doing) and a science (a way of learning). The universe truly could not have been understood without the language of mathematics. Even till this day, mathematics continues to prove its importance.
One great example of the use of mathematics to combine art and science is in music. One genre that comes in mind specifically is electronic dance music.. Electronic dance music, also known as EDM, is produced through electronic instruments by mixing up notes, beats, and riffs to form a song. To be able to bring these elements together, the artist, also known as disc jockey, must be able to understand the melody and rhythm behind the music. Then, mathematics and science provides the technology to make this possible.
Levels by Avicii is a classic EDM song.
The paintings of artist Jackson Pollock are other examples that contain unique mathematical patterns. Those mathematical patterns were of fractals – complex geometric patterns where shapes and configurations infinitely repeat themselves. His fractal dimensions correspond extremely close to those found in nature, which contributed to the aesthetically appeal of his drop paintings to the public. Additionally, the use of fractals in his painting was able to help distinguish authentic paintings from fake paint splattered works.
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| Number 14 (1948) by Jackson Pollock |
A last example of math’s prevalence in art is through architecture. Specifically, the design of the Parthenon in Athens follows a math proportion known as the golden ratio. This is the ratio for length to width of rectangles to a certain dimension that is considered the most pleasing to the eye. It takes into account the aesthetic elements in mathematics.
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| The Golden Ratio in Parthenon |
Work Cited
Avicii. “Levels” Youtube. 4 May 2011. Web. 13 October 2013. <
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_SNQh6zuQo>
Bernhard, Peter. The Golden Ratio in ancient buildings. 2005. Web. 13 October 2013 <https://www.vismath.eu/files/images/gifs/parthenon12.gif>
Ouellette, Jennifer. "Pollock's Fractals." Discover. 1 November 2001. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. <http://discovermagazine.com/2001/nov/featpollock #.Ult4olDryTB>
Pollock, Jackson. Number 14. 1948. Photograph. Web. 13 October 2013. <http://www.thecityreview.com/pollock3.gif>
Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean” Cole UC Online. Youtube. 9 April 2012. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg>
I really enjoyed reading this post. I enjoyed the link you drew to EDM and beyond the music itself the concerts are reminiscent of the orchestra performance that was linked by Professor Vesna. Seeing Avicii perform I can say without a doubt that there were definite parallels between math and art. In addition to that I liked seeing that you used Jackson Pollock for I found that to be the most fascinating article I've read so far in this class.
ReplyDeletePollock did not USE fractals in his paintings as the visual popularity of the science of fractals did not come about until the 1980's...the article you cite makes a thin connection between the (possible) similarity, but not that he actually used them...
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