Week 2: Math and Art

 Before this week, I did not think math and art intersected. I am not the best at either, so their intersection had never previously sparked my interest. However, this week I found that the intersection between art and math is not uncommon and is very intriguing. 

One thing that stuck out to me when learning about this topic was vanishing points in art. Many artists try to provide a correct perspective viewpoint for their art. To do so, they use mathematical formulas to solve for the viewing distance and vanishing point. They can use these measurements in their art, to make viewers feel like they are part of the artwork. One example of this that stuck out to me, was how museum used shish kebab skewers to discover viewpoints of perspective works and appreciate the art.  

Vanishing points and different perspecitves

Another thing that stuck out to me when examining this topic was fractals. Fractals are geometric shapes made up of smaller parts. Each smaller part shows the shape of the whole figure. It was interesting to me that this one concept combined mathematics, geometry, art and computer modeling. It really shows the intersectionality of all these topics. The video that showed the Mandelbrot set was very intriguing and a good example of a known fractal. It is both mathematically impressive and artistically pleasing. 

Mandelbrot Fractal

Another things that was interesting to me when I looked at this topic, was the topic of AR with mobile interfaces. A company developed technology for DaimlerChrysler to allow customers to virtually view a vehicle and all of its options in a showroom setting. Customer were able to actively move throughout the vehicle and were able to experience it like they were in-person. This was a really interesting example of how math and technology were combined, and could be useful during the pandemic too.

AR with Mobile Interface

Additionally, another example that came to mind was my brother's artwork. My brother creates Islamic art and often combines geometric shapes and Arabic calligraphy. I thought this was a great example of a way in which math and art can be combined. 

This artist used geometric shapes to make unique artwork. It allows me to understand the intersection between art and math. This is a common practice is Islamic artwork and architecture.

This week I learned how artists and scientists use math in their work. They use geometric shapes and use equations to find the correct angles and measurements. I had no idea they were so intersected! Math and art do juxtapose each other. They are both very different fields, however they complement each other very well. 

“ART+COM Studios.” ART+COM Studios ART+COM Studios Comments, artcom.de/en/. 

“Augmented Reality.” ART+COM Studios | Augmented Reality, artcom.de/en/?research_focus=augmented-reality. 

DlimitR, director. Fractals - Mandelbrot. YouTube, YouTube, 17 June 2006, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivRQDbAduoM. 

“Fine Artist Playing with Interactivity, Math, Code.” Nathan Selikoff, 18 Jan. 2020, nathanselikoff.com/. 

“Flatland.” Flatland, by E. A. Abbott, 1884, www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/FL.HTM. 

Frantz, Marc. “Lesson 3: Vanishing Points and Looking at Art.” 2000. 

MANDELBROT SET IMAGES/WALLPAPER/PICTURES, www.misterx.ca/Mandelbrot_Set/M_Set-IMAGES_&_WALLPAPER.html. 

“Vanishing Point.” From Wolfram MathWorld, mathworld.wolfram.com/VanishingPoint.html.