Week Two: Math + Art

Mathematics is the abstract study of the mechanisms by which numbers, quantities, and space itself operate; likewise, art and visual art especially can be described as a visual depiction of the universe. Therefore it should be no surprise that, as our knowledge of mathematics increases, so does the sophistication which which artists are able to visually portray the universe through both figurative and abstract art.
Image result for linear perspective

Through the evolution of math and art, perhaps some of the most relevant insights I gained were Brunelleschi's contributions to art through the optical study of linear perspective. Another was Al-Haytham's argument that vision and perception occur in the brain rather than the eyes, and are subjective phenomena based on prior experiences. The third was the relevance of Fibonacci ratios in describing natural phenomena, and how artists have used that to portray compelling depictions of random sequences.
Image result for fibonacci ratio


As I read through this week's readings, it occurred to me that in the modern era, art has begun to influence math just as much as math has influenced art in the past. In the movie Interstellar, for instance, Christopher Nolan wanted to accurately depict a supermassive black hole. Since Nolan's visual effects software ran on algorithms that didn't account for the effects of relativity, Nolan consulted with theoretical physicist Kip Thorne who, with his team, was able to derive mathematical algorithms for Nolan's visual effects software that could account for relativity. The visual rendering of the black hole not only provided a jaw-dropping visual effect, but actually led to brand new scientific discoveries regarding the effects of gravitational lensing on accretion discs around black holes. This exemplifies the intimate relationship between math and art, and illustrates what can be achieved when the two are brought together.


References: 
Rogers, Adam. “WRINKLES IN SPACETIME: The Warped Astrophysics of Interstellar.” Wired, Conde Nast, 7 Jan. 2015, www.wired.com/2014/10/astrophysics-interstellar-black-hole/.
uconlineprogram. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” YouTube, YouTube, 9 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=695&v=mMmq5B1LKDg.
socionomics. “Fibonacci, Fractals and Financial Markets - Socionomics.net.” YouTube, YouTube, 31 May 2007, www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RE2Lu65XxTU.
DlimitR. “Fractals - Mandelbrot.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 June 2006, www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ivRQDbAduoM.

“Flatland.” Flatland, by E. A. Abbott, 1884, www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/FL.HTM.

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