Math and Art

Math can be used to describe almost any possible pattern, so it makes sense that it has a major influence on art and science- both of which often rely on representing and understanding patterns of nature. Artists use math in order to create realistic perspective and portrayals of real life. Brunelleschi realized that in order to make a painting realistic, all lines must converge to a vanishing point, which he discovered through his understanding of the geometry of vision.

As a math major, I’ve found that I enjoy math the most when it has practical uses that apply to real life and science. It has always fascinated me that patterns like the Fibonacci sequence can be observed so commonly in nature. Each ratio of numbers in the sequence is equal to the Golden Ratio, phi (1.618). The Fibonacci sequence can be observed in the construction of the ancient Egyptian pyramids and the Parthenon as well as in the growth of plants and the mating patterns of rabbits. Since the Fibonacci sequence seems to control so much of nature, it is important for artists to understand this mathematical pattern in order to portray reality accurately.

 I thought it was interesting that even people’s thinking patterns and the stock market can be explained by the Fibonacci ratio. It seems like a strange coincidence that one mathematical pattern could be the reason behind so much of nature, so there must be a logical reason for it. The video, "Fibonacci, Fractals and the Financial Markets" explained that nature prefers to evolve in the most efficient way, which could be why it follows this pattern. Since math can be used to explain much of the scientific world, and art is often a depiction of nature, math the main common factor between art and science. 

Fibonacci, Fractals and the Financial Markets. YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2007. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"Fibonacci Numbers and Nature." The Fibonacci Numbers and Golden Section in Nature. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

Nature, The Golden Ratio, and Fibonacci Too ... N.d. Photograph. Nature, The Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Numbers. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.

"The Golden Number." Phi 1618 The Golden Number RSS. N.p., 13 May 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.