Mathematics, Art, and Science in Your Daily Life

In today’s society, we don’t typically think of mathematics and art to be on the same spectrum. However, to understand art is to understand how it is inextricably entwined with mathematics.  If you look closely, you can see how we are surrounded by both mathematics and art in our every day lives.

Fractuals are a phenomena of self-similar patterns that seemingly repeat itself in scales.  Fractuals are not by chance; in fact, they correspond to mathematical formulas and can be seen all around in nature.  Here is an example of a fractual in a shell and plant:

Fascinated with paradoxes and geometry, MC Escher created works of art to examine and demonstrate a wide range of mathematical ideas.  MC Escher isn’t the only artist to understand the important role of mathematics and art.  We see other’s utilizing the concept of a vanishing point to create 3D depth perception in a 2D drawing. 

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” goes the old saying…or does it? I took a Community Health class at UCLA, where we discussed the concept of beauty and what it means to society.  One of the most interesting things that my professor introduced us to was the golden ratio.  It both awe-struck and fascinated me to learn that there is an actual formula behind the golden ratio, which the Greeks used in ancient times for architectural aesthetics.  This video reveals how instrumental technology can be in enhancing both the creation and exposure of the “golden ratio.”

Math plays an essential role in architecture development and execution. Similar to the Greeks, much of the architecture you see today still embodies the rule of the Golden Ratio. Here is a blueprint drawing of the mathematics involved in building a bridge:

The juxtaposition of math, art, and science creates a symbiotic relationship.  Artists are better able to express themselves through math, while the advancement of technology can be catalyzed through the use of art.    

Sources:

17 Captivating Fractuals in Nature. Photograph. Web. 12 Oct 2013.

< http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2008/09/07/17-amazing-examples-of-fractals-in-nature/>

Golden Ratio- The Perfect Face & Change the Sex of People. Jimmy Ruska. YouTube. N.p., 23 July 2007. Web. 13 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO3o9drC1mQ>.

Henderson, Linda. The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion. Diss. Print.

Escher , M.C. "Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher."Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct 2013. <http://www.mathacademy.com/pr/minitext/escher/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Mathematics | Perspective | Time | Space." DESMA 9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg. Lecture.