To begin, Math is a system of corresponding numerical figures, geometric shapes, and functions which are all based on strict proofs and most based of axioms (self evident truth). My definition of mathematics shows that math is a cold hard truth that we have discovered (or its innate) whereas art is simply an expression of emotions which appeal to our senses with so restrictions. How can these polarized subjects be connected? First example is fractal geometry; there are many ways in which this is a form of mathematics and visual art. From the video we watched, we can see that through our understanding of technology and the mathematical pattern of fractal geometry, editors are able to create lava in order to create a dramatic movie scene. Also, we are able to create various landscapes such as mountains, icebergs, volcanoes, and metro cities, etc. We see that fractal geometry is used for creating visual arts in movies through the use of technology. Math is used to create fractal geometry, a form of pattern that occurs within itself, and many may find this as a form of art. In the past, fractal geometry was used for commercial purposes such as t-shirts! Shows the impact of math imposed on arts. Furthermore, painters often knowing or accidently incorporate concepts of mathematics in their work of visual arts. For example, humans often are more attracted to art forms that have a pattern and a form of symmetry. For instance, when a painter creates an image of a flower or shell, he may use the Fibonacci pattern, to create a more accurate picture. Most people may not notice this use of mathematical concept and think that it was a free painting, which shows that math is imposed on art where people may notice it or not. Another example of math on art is when a painter creates an image of the human body. To accurately do this, he may use the golden ratio discovered in mathematics. So when he creates something simple as a finger, the artist may make sure the length of each bone is 1.6 times larger. This shows that many art many strictly follow concepts of mathematics.
Moreover, mathematics in many ways is interconnected with music to create sounds. For example, I took grade 11 physics in summer school and as a final project we had to create a musical instrument using the laws of physics. Physics is heavy on math as much as it is on science and we used our knowledge to create a musical instrument. I was shocked at how difficult it is to create sound with something as simple as a pan flute. We had to find the fundamental resonance, perfect frequency, wavelengths, and what not. Through this experience I was able to understand how math in imposed on music. In a more general example, math is imposed on music in the sense that there is a structure in which a song is composed. Like fractals, there is a structure created within music and the beat is repeated throughout the song. If something is off tune, we are easily able to depict it, because we are accustomed to having a systematic form of music. I don’t know much about creating music but I know that a piece of music is broken down into smaller tunes and they each have a separate variation that are repeated throughout the song.
Overall, mathematics is heavily imposed on various forms of arts and is actually interconnected to each other even though it may not seem like it at first.
by
harshpatel2396 (student)
