Math + Art

 

In this week’s lecture, we learned how geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns influence the perfection of art masterpieces that we admire in today’s age. As a math major, I found this lecture particularly interesting because I have always had a creative side, but similar to what Professor Vesna discussed, many children are “de-geniused” in the American education system. 

One particular mathematical concept discussed in the lecture was the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio is often represented by the Greek symbol phi and this mathematical ratio is found in art and nature and it has been used to create a harmonious visual through proportion. Drawing is one of my hobbies and when I draw I often create faces, but sometimes I can never seem to get the proportions to align. I would love to use this new insight of the golden ratio to appropriately set proportions and create more harmonious compositions.

While reading “Geometry in Modern Art,” I also learned that “using non-Euclidean geometry can act as a stimulus to go beyond traditional oil painting,” (Henderson 205). I found this insight interesting because throughout my life and probably the lives of my peers, we have learned math in a very traditional sense. But, through exploring non-Euclidean geometry and how it can be used to explore forms of artistic expression beyond oil paintings, I have understood how math can act as a catalyst for artistic innovation. 

In addition to the use of non-Euclidean geometry and art expression, I also learned how “lines of Matta’s paintings show his experimentation in dimensionality and curvature” (Henderson 208). Similar to how non-Euclidean geometry pushes for an exploration of artistic expression, I learned that Matta’s paintings also use curvature through lines to show complexities of the human experience. 

Cosmos Mental 

There is a great influence of math in Roberto Matta’s painting. It is apparent that Matta uses some non-Euclidean geometry to create the illusion of a winded state in the brain. There are many scribbles and circles, but most defined, there are shapes of prisms that are used to portray a landscape. Without the use of mathematical shapes or prisms and circles, Matta could not successfully evoke such an angry and winded state of the subconscious. 

Through this lecture, I have learned that artists frequently use different geometry and ratios to create innovation in their artistic expression. Math, art, and science are juxtaposed to reflect principles of creativity and exploration and often are harmonious for innovations.

Cited Sources

Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art. MIT Press, 2013.

“Non-Euclidean Geometry.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 15 Mar. 2024, www.britannica.com/science/non-Euclidean-geometry.

samrichards97, and samrichards97. “The Mattas.” AS Level Fine Art, 27 Apr. 2016, samrichards97.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/the-mattas/.

Vesna, Victoria. "Mathematics pt. 1-Zero Perspective Golden Mean." DESMA 9, April 2024, Los Angeles, UCLA

*All images are hyperlinked.