DESMA9 Week 2- Math + Art

This week I noticed some of the different ways science is incorporated in art- technical ways, such as the develop net of linear perspective; as the subject of a piece of art; and used through art to with relation to humanity.

It was interesting to learn about the development of mathematical equations and principles that could accurately depict appropriate size and scaling of objects within a painting, illustrated by the transition from works such as Duccio to those like Brunelleschi's.

These both contrast with Escher's works, such as Relativity.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Escher%27s_Relativity.jpg

In the previous two artists, mathematics influenced the portrayal of other objects; mathematics itself wasn't a subject in the paintings. Escher's works directly incorporate it- what sparks our interest is the mathematical or physical impossibilities present in the scene, not necessarily what is going on. Ie, people walking on staircases in a versus a scene with three distinct points of gravity. Escher's works sometimes resemble optical illusions, possibly because he was influenced by the Penrose stairs.

http://www.optical-illusion-pictures.com/paradox.html

Theo Jansons kinetic creations called 'Strandbeests', featured in his Ted talk from the resources tab, are his idea of creating another life form. The precision required to build these creatures  is incredible, and hints to a possible future where this type of kinematics combined with technology could be a form of artificial intelligence.

There are many dystopian novels that use science and technology to comment on  society,  often creating a syfy or futuristic setting such as 'brave new world'. 'flatlands' takes it a step further, creating a world not even human, but composed of linear and geometric shapes. Uses this setting steeped in mathematics in part to comment on caste systems and how our society handles information and progress.

http://www.integralworld.net/slaughter1.html

One thing that stood out to me in the suggested shows and movies was the emphasis of empathy in the tv show NUMB3RS. It contrasted the main character, a brilliant mathematician, with other typical characters who show either disregard to human life, or a misguided view of humanity, such as a serial killer or a scientist who justifies the murder of a few to aid the greater good. Often science and technology is presented in a negative way (think back to brave new world or the mad scientist) and it was interesting to see a 'good guy' mathematician.

Citations

Escher, M. C. Relativity. 1953. Cornelius Van S. Roosevelt Collection, Netherlands. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

Harris, Beth, and Steven Zucker. "Linear Perspective: Brunelleschi's Experiment." Khan Academy. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. <https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/early-renaissance1/beginners-renaissance-florence/v/linear-perspective-brunelleschi-s-experiement>.

"Paradox Illusions." The Eye's Mind. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. <http://www.optical-illusion-pictures.com/paradox.html>.

Slaughter, Richard. "Transcending Flatland, Essay by Richard Slaughter." Integral World: Exploring Theories of Everything. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. <http://www.integralworld.net/slaughter1.html>.

"Theo Jansen: My Creations, a New Form of Life." YouTube. 6 Sept. 2007. Web. 13 Apr. 2015. <https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b694exl_oZo>.