Upon initial inspection of both
math and art, the prevailing conclusion would inevitably be that the two
subjects could not be more distinct. Yet,
after careful examination of this week’s module, it is clear that math is a
huge influence upon modern art—especially through the use of computers.
One of the
most striking examples of this idea lies within music. Music is extremely influenced by mathematical
concepts due to the idea of sound. Sound
can be defined as the relationship between physics and perception and thus the
very building blocks of music are reflections of math. Music is composed of diverse sounds that can
be described in the form of a mathematical function, with time as the
independent variable and amplitude as the dependent variable. Composers can additionally analyze music
mathematically to make it more pleasing to the broader population.
Artists and scientists alike utilize the
opposite subject in their creative expression.
Leonardo da Vinci is a prime example of this mesh between subjects. As both an artist and a scientist, he fused
both to create some of the most influential masterpieces of all time. For example, he studied geometry of
perspective to conclude that the eye must be placed in the right location
through light. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
exemplifies the golden ratio, in which artists use geometrical figures to
increase harmony within their works.
The art of origami is another key
example illustrating the supreme effect math has upon art. Robert Lang shows us how traditional origami
has transformed into a particularly mathematical expression of art. For example, math establishes the “underlying axioms, rules, [and]
operations” that artists use to create origami.
Deprived of math, the art of origami would have stayed in the paper
cranes of the past, unable to fully evolve into the incredibly intricate staple
of contemporary art.
Thus, these examples highlight that
math is not only a great influence on creating art, but also a tool that can be
utilized to perfect it and constantly improve it.
Hom, Elaine. “What is the Golden Ratio?” Live Science. Web. 10 Apr 2016. < http://www.livescience.com/37704-phi-golden-ratio.html>
Lang, Robert J. “Origami
Mathematics.” Origami Mathematics.
Robert J. Land Origami, n.d. Web. 10 April 2016. < http://www.langorigami.com/>.
Music and Computers: A Theoretical and Historical Approach. N.p., n.d.
Web. 10 Apr. 2016. <http://music.columbia.edu/cmc/MusicAndComputers/>.
Vensa, Victoria. Math
+ Art Lecture. UCOnline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg>.
I also mentioned the strong correlation between mathematics and music in my own blog, however I think you even took it a step further than I did in mentioning the relationship between amplitude and time. It makes me wonder if brilliant composers historically have (or could have) excelled in mathematics. Here is an interesting quote from Electrum Magazine on Mozart's connection to mathematics:
ReplyDelete"..by using the Fibonacci Sequence in his Piano Sonata #1 in C major K279, not unlikely since his sister Nannerl noted he was always playing with numbers and even scribbled mathematical equations for probabilities in the margins of some compositions (e.g. Fantasia and Fugue in C Major, K394), some of which mathematicians suggest were Fibonaccci number calculations; he also may have used elements of the Golden Section (x, 1-x) in balancing his musical lines with the ratio of theme to development or musical exposition to recapitulation."
Just thought you would find that interesting! Here's the link to the rest of the article:
http://www.electrummagazine.com/2013/06/mozart-and-mathematics/
The idea about music did not click to me quickly on how it relates to math and art. However, by reading your blog it gave me a better understanding on how it does relate. The part where you said music is like a mathematical function by using time and amplitude made sense to me. I also wrote about perspective in my blog with art and how it is strongly influenced by math.
ReplyDeleteI think you brought up a fantastic point about the relations between math and music. Most people would usually be aware of how math is utilized in painting, but few would have thought about how math can be used to analyze music as well. Sounds are studied not only by artists, but also by physicians. I think electronic music is a great example of technology and music combined together.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think your example of Origami is really interesting as well. My perception of origami was still staying on paper cranes until you brought up this contemporary origami example that utilized math!