Math + Art

In this week’s lecture on the intersection of Math and Art, we learn about the link between the applications of Mathematics and how it consequently results in a better form of Art. When we think of art, we believe it is a true freehand expression of one's talent. We fail to realize that it requires to some degree, a mental or even physical calculation of space and distance.

An example that shows more insight into what Professor Vesna explains this week is the Golden Ratio. A mathematical law derived hundreds of years ago by our ancestors, which is basically a sequence of numbers that is the sum of the previous two number in the sequence. (ex. 0,1,1,2,3,5,8...). It is incredibly fascinating how many natural processes follow this pattern, originally calculated by Leonardo Fibonacci. This is a useful tool for artists all over the World, helping them to proportionally replicate paintings, portraits, or scenery.

The most famous example of where the Golden Ratio has been applied is the, "La Jaconde" or Mona Lisa painting. I was blessed with the opportunity to visit The Louvre in Paris, France this past Winter. The beauty is not noticed until you take the time to appreciate the proportions that was applied by the talented Leonardo Da Vinci. He applied this to many of his famous pieces which is why to this day he is considered one of the most influential artists.

While abroad in Milan, Italy -- I had to get tickets to see "The Last Supper." Being in that room was an absolutely incredible experience. How large it is in real life and how they are trying their best to preserve this historical and biblical treasure. The truth is that it is falling apart. However, it sustained long enough to educate and inspire many following artists. Da Vinci uses the tool of aerial perspective to create light in this mural. Purposely making the horizon more dull and colorless in order to draw attention towards the landscape, thus creating an illusion of depth. This awareness of distance and space was pre-calculated before being projected and painted onto the wall.

One of the most universal examples that display a modern intersection between math and art is are Apple products - specifically the very first iPod. As someone from a quantitative background, I think of engineering and computer science when coming across the Apple logo. However, the true driving success behind Apple is its unique design. To produce the most cost-efficient and sleek formula to compete with the market, it requires the collaboration between material science and artistic flair.

Steve Jobs is notorious for driving his employees to the edge. A published story about how he threw the very first prototype of the iPod into water to prove the point that the engineers were still making the product unnecessarily big, is definitely inspiring. He knew that since air bubbles were coming out, the iPod could have been made more compact. The impossible can be achieved by math alone, but art connects the complex science to our finger tips.

Giving myself some time to observe, I've come to the conclusion that the juxtaposition between the three elements (math, art, and science) are clear. Specialists in their respective professions often have tunnel vision and believe their role in society as a doctor or artist belongs to either: math, art, or science. No grey area. Completely mutually exclusive. The next time I hear someone say that they are more quantitative, less creative, I will challenge them to identify how the best artists are mathematicians, the best scientists are artistically aware. 

[1] Dvorsky, George. "15 Uncanny Examples of the Golden Ratio in Nature."Io9. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr 2014. <http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature>. 

[2] Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. 

<http://www.youtube.com/watch v=mMmq5B1LKDg&feature=player_embedded>

[3] Meisner, Gary. "Da Vinci and the Divine Proportion in Art Composition." The Golden Number. 7 July 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. 

<http://www.goldennumber.net/leonardo-da-vinci-golden-ratio-art/>.

[4] "Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper." Italian Renaissance. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

<http://www.italianrenaissance.org/a-closer-look-leonardo-da-vincis-last-supper/>

[5] Steve Jobs Dropped The First IPod Prototype Into An Aquarium To Prove A Point." Business Insider. Ed. Steven Tweedie. 18 Nov. 2014. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. 

<http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-jobs-threw-ipod-prototype-into-an-aquarium-to-prove-a-point-2014-11>.

[