DESMA 9 Week 2

Mathematics is the base form of logic and is oft inspired by natural phenomena observed. An apt example would be the Fibonacci sequence, which also describes an energy efficient structure. Said structure can be found appearing in nature from the smallest to the largest of objects. Unsurprisingly, mathematics is the foundation for all branches of science, where all theories rely on the logical structure afforded by mathematics.

Fibonacci Spiral Exhibited in Galactic Scale

Fibonacci Spiral Exhibited in Cancer Cell Division

While the above in common knowledge, less people believe that mathematics has anything to do with art. Such a perception is further reinforced by artist before the renaissance period, many of which drew portraits with weird proportions. Drawings in the Byzantine period often featured floating people with oddly shaped physiology. Discounting all artist before the renaissance period, mathematics’ influence on art can be clearly seen. A prime example would be the use of “Vanishing Point” theory to draw realistic looking portraits. However, on a base level, mathematics has always influence art. Unwittingly, artist have used complementary colors in their drawings either due to experience or from learning from their predecessors. Nowadays, the use of said colors can be explained via mathematics and science. In other words, mathematics can be used to explain many artistic directions taken by great painters and sculptors.

Drawing of Mother Mary & Christ by Byzantine Era Artist

In our current age, the influence of mathematics in the field of art is commonplace, albeit unbeknownst to many.  A good example would be Google’s Deep Dream (https://deepdreamgenerator.com/). This convolutional neural network, which in laymen terms means computer learning that teaches the computer to read and understand images, enhances images based off an algorithm. As can be seen below, the images produced look like they belong in an acid trip. Ironically, scientists are entering the realm of art, creating content by digital means. 

Image Created by Deep Dream Program

A more personal example, would be my experience with a programming class where the final project involved simulating a swarm and a predator. The result, as seen below, was a video that could be considered as art. Therefore, this week’s lecture emphasized how math, art and science are not separate entities. Instead, as mentioned last week, all three of them are deeply connected despite appearing seemingly unrelated. 

Sources:
"The Fibonacci Sequence in Nature • Nifty Homestead." Nifty Homestead. N.p., 28 Nov. 2016. Web. 10 Apr. 2017. <https://www.niftyhomestead.com/blog/fibonacci-sequence-in-nature/>.
Wakefield, Jane. "Intelligent Machines: AI art is taking on the experts." BBC News. BBC, 18 Sept. 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2017. <http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33677271>.
Ujjwalkarn. "An Intuitive Explanation of Convolutional Neural Networks." The data science blog. N.p., 02 Apr. 2017. Web. 10 Apr. 2017. <https://ujjwalkarn.me/2016/08/11/intuitive-explanation-convnets/>.
"DeepDream." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Apr. 2017. Web. 10 Apr. 2017. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeepDream>.
McKay, Brett & Kate. "Renaissance Art Basics: Everything You Need to Know to Sound Smart at a Cocktail Party." The Art of Manliness. N.p., 10 Dec. 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2017. <http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/07/16/man-knowledge-the-basics-of-art-the-renaissance/>.