Week 2: Math + Art

I was quite surprised by how much artists historically have used math to help them create their art. I was well aware of the ways in which artists have indirectly depended on math. For example, many modern artists rely on computers, which require heavy use of math to create. However, I was far less aware of the ways in which artists have directly depended on math. One of my favorite examples of this direct dependence is Brunelleschi’s use of linear dependence.

Had I known just that Brunelleschi used geometrical linear perspective in his paintings, I would have guessed that he incorporated the work of contemporary mathematicians into his art (maybe due to some unconscious bias I have about the distinction between artists and mathematicians). I was hence surprised to learn that Brunelleschi deduced how to use linear perspective on his own. I had never noticed math used so explicitly in art, but now I feel like I’m seeing it everywhere (Golden Ratio, Conway's Game of Life, etc.).

Lines overlaid on The School of Athens by Brunelleschi (my favorite painting of his) to help visualize his use of linear perspective.

A cool design generated by Conway’s game of life.

On the juxtaposition of math, art, and science: I consider math a subset of science, albeit its relatively theoretical nature. As explained in the prior two paragraphs, I can clearly see how math and science directly influence art. However, I’m far less familiar with art’s direct influence on math and science. To clarify, I definitely acknowledge art’s indirect influence on math/science (e.g. stoking creativity, visualizing concepts, etc.). However, I cannot think of a good, specific scenario in which artistry leads to breakthroughs in math or science. I likely should do some further reading on it.

A video explaining how to use geometry to understand linear perspective.

“Apps By Kids.” Conway's Game of Life, 12 Feb. 2018, appsbykids.org/main/2018/02/12/game-of-life.html. 

“Art History in Perspective.” Scholastic Art, art.scholastic.com/pages/archives/articles/art-history-in-perspective.html.

Abbott, Edwin. FlatLand: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Print.

“Filippo Brunelleschi.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippo_Brunelleschi. 

Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion.” Leonardo. 17.3 (1984): 205-210. Print.

Lipa, Chris. “Conway's Game of Life.” Conway's Game of Life, pi.math.cornell.edu/~lipa/mec/lesson6.html.

Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 9 Apr. 2021.