As highlighted by American artist Tony Robbin, "[w]e are not in the least surprised, however, to find physicists and mathematicians working simultaneously on... a four dimensional space" (Henderson, 209). Although their reasoning and uses may be different, artists and scientists can be fascinated and driven to explore the same subject. On one hand, scientists use the fourth dimension to explain how the physics of the universe while artists are able to use it to represent new ways of thinking (as is the case with Edwin Abbott and his work Flatland).
Flatland by Edwin Abbott
Examples can be found everywhere. The Mobius Strip, which started off as a mathematical concept of a single-sided surface, has been used both as a model in engineering as well as a focus in art. On one hand, it is a basis for designs of conveyor belts and circuit elements while on the other hand it is a subject of exploration for artists like M.C. Escher.
Mobius Strip II (Red Ants)
Another example, and perhaps one that interests me more, is the subject of fractal geometry. With the help of technology, artists are able to create works that would not have been possible 50 years ago. At the same time, fractal geometry, found in modern-day antennas, are what enable our cell phones to be small yet powerful.
Fractal Art
People in the fields of arts and sciences are constantly finding new ways to take concepts in math and use them in their own terms. Considering what's already been done I'm curious on what we will see next.
References
Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1963. Print.
"African Fractals." African Fractals. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ccd.rpi.edu/Eglash/csdt/african/African_Fractals/>.
Escher, M. C. Mobius Strip II (Red Ants). Digital image. The Mathematic Art of M.C. Escher. Platonic Realms, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/>.
Fractal Art Wallpaper. Digital image. Fractal Art Wallpaper HD. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://galleryhip.com/fractal-art-wallpaper-hd.html>.
Henderson, Linda D. "The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art: Conclusion." Leonardo 17.3 (1984): 205-10. Web.
"The Fourth Dimension." The Fourth Dimension. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/jmac/cl/tb4d.htm>.
"The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher." The Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015. <http://platonicrealms.com/minitexts/Mathematical-Art-Of-M-C-Escher/>.
Hi Daniel, you obviously laid out a very good and important point that science and art are inter-related and their mutual influence to one another. For a lot of us, it is hard to imagine how artist incorporate the two seemingly unrelated concepts together, even in the old days, because we tend to separate them as two distinct concepts. But what we have learnt this week is, math, science, art, are capable to change our lives in an immeasurable way, and the realization will bring us new perspective and let us be able to accept new ideas and new attitude as well, just like Abbott's work Flatland, it is amazing to see how ignorance and resistance to change can bring tremendous tragedy, but once we are able to see outside the box, the world is a much bigger and more beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteHi Daniel, you obviously laid out a very good and important point that science and art are inter-related and their mutual influence to one another. For a lot of us, it is hard to imagine how artist incorporate the two seemingly unrelated concepts together, even in the old days, because we tend to separate them as two distinct concepts. But what we have learnt this week is, math, science, art, are capable to change our lives in an immeasurable way, and the realization will bring us new perspective and let us be able to accept new ideas and new attitude as well, just like Abbott's work Flatland, it is amazing to see how ignorance and resistance to change can bring tremendous tragedy, but once we are able to see outside the box, the world is a much bigger and more beautiful place.
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