Mathematics is the cornerstone of our ability to understand our
world. It is (as language is) a study and organization, relationships, symbols
and shapes as well as numbers. Mathematical calculations can support research
and exploration of our physical world and enable us to use knowledge of
chemistry and physics understand and natural environment. They also support
every engineering innovation and design. Historically, pivotal ancient concepts
such as 'zero', 'perspective' and the 'golden ratio' have helped shift out
perception of the world. In short, the concept of zero allowed development of
understanding of infinitesimals, limits, calculus, quantum physics...
Zero also
represents the unknown or the 'center' of ones being, the space with no noise
and absolute. Perspective surfaced through the application of mathematics in
the study of optics. That original use of mathematics for scientific
explanation of optics provided the link and created a common ground between
mathematics, sciences and the art. Now the idea of perspective and vanishing
points could be used in lines and shadows of paintings to create depth. The
'golden ratio' is a geometrical ratio used in architecture to create harmony
and aesthetically appealing structures such as the Parthenon. Leonardo Da Vinci
was the greatest of artists to use perspective as well as golden ratios in his
masterpieces. Escher is a great example of an artist who exploited mathematics
in the form of basic patterns and applying concepts such as reflections, glide
reflections, translations and rotations to obtain patterns of birds and other animals arranged in symmetrical
patterns to a beautiful effect. In his work, the use of geometry of space
determined a logic that in itself comes from the logic of space. Escher's works
exhibit the theme of interconnecting worlds and the interdependence between
mathematics and art. It has also been
suggested that his art has a relationship
to the fields of information science and artificial intelligence. The
development of computers and technology (based on mathematical algorithms) has
opened up a new world of connecting arts and sciences. Art can now be created
as computer generated and communicated in a global interaction with the world.
In this new world the three worlds of mathematics art and science blend into
one.
Sources:
Robert, Kaplan. The Nothing That Is “A Natural History of Zero” Oxford University press, 2000. Print.
Comments
Post a Comment