Artistic Mathematics

You may not typically associate mathematics and art as being closely related, but the truth is that math and art have a long and intertwined history. From the golden ratio in art and architecture to the use of geometric shapes and patterns in paintings and sculptures, math has played a crucial role in the creation of some of the most famous and beautiful works of art in history.

"A mathematician, like a painter or poet, is a maker of patterns" - G.H. Hardy

But did artists like Vincent van Gogh and Rafael Araujo use math to make their art more beautiful? The short answer is yes! In fact, many artists throughout history have used math in their work, either consciously or unconsciously, to create aesthetically pleasing compositions and designs. Math and art may seem like two completely unrelated subjects, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the two are closely related in a beautiful and harmonious way.

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh was fascinated by the golden ratio and used it in his paintings to create aesthetically pleasing compositions. The golden ratio can be found in many of van Gogh's famous works, including "The Starry Night" and "Irises."

But what is the golden ratio and how does it work in art? The golden ratio is a mathematical proportion that can be found in nature, architecture, and art. It is represented by the Greek letter phi (φ) and is defined as the ratio of a line segment to the longer of the two segments into which it is divided. The golden ratio describes a ratio of approximately 1 : 1.618. This ratio is said to be aesthetically pleasing to the human eye and has been used by artists, architects, and designers for centuries. In art, the golden ratio is often used to determine the placement of elements within a composition, such as the placement of a subject within a frame or the placement of elements within a grid.

Van Gogh famously stated, "I dream my painting and then I paint my dream." The golden ratio is believed to be one of the reasons why Van Gogh's paintings are so mesmerizing.

Rafael Araujo

One of my favourite artists has got to be Venezuelan artist Rafael Araujo. Araujo is known for his intricate and detailed drawings of shells and insects that are inspired by the beauty of mathematics. He has a background in engineering, uses principles of geometry and topology to create his detailed and realistic drawings. He has even stated that "math is an integral part of [his] art," and that he uses it to "create order out of chaos."

Using nothing but a pencil and paper, Araujo creates stunning three dimensional geometric works of art that are based on mathematical concepts such as the Fibonacci Spiral and the golden ratio. He incorporates the golden spiral and helices into his compositions and uses the concepts as the basis for shells and kaleidoscopes of butterflies.

One of his most famous pieces is a drawing of a spiral that is based on the Fibonacci sequence. The Fibonacci sequence is often found in nature, and it is believed to be one of the reasons why natural patterns are so aesthetically pleasing.

"Mathematics and art are related in a way that goes far beyond their being used to measure or represent things." - M.C. Escher

Creating your own Mathematical Art

How can YOU create something (a painting, sketch, etc.) by using math to increase the aesthetic beauty? It's actually easier than you might think. All you need is a basic understanding of math and a willingness to experiment.

One way to use math in art is by incorporating geometric shapes and patterns. These shapes and patterns can be created using simple tools like a ruler and compass, or they can be drawn freehand. The key is to find a balance between the shapes and patterns so that the overall composition is aesthetically pleasing.

The easiest way to use math in art is by applying the golden ratio. As mentioned earlier, the golden ratio is a mathematical proportion that is often used to create balance and harmony in art compositions. To apply the golden ratio in your art, you can divide your canvas or paper into sections using the ratio of 1 : 1.618. Then, place your elements (such as shapes, patterns, or figures) within these sections to create a balanced composition.

M.C. Escher is a perfect example of an artist using mathematics in his creations. His work is saturated with transformations, patterns and mathematical impossibilities.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, another way to use math in art is the use of algorithms of computer programs and A.I to generate art. These programs use math to create intricate patterns and designs that would be nearly impossible for a human artist to create by hand.

As you can see, math and art are closely related and have a long history of influencing each other. Whether it's the use of the golden ratio in paintings or the creation of intricate designs using computer algorithms, math has played a crucial role in the creation of some of the world's most famous and beautiful works of art. So next time you're admiring a beautiful work of art, take a moment to appreciate the mathematical concepts and principles that may have played a role in its creation.

As renowned artist and mathematician M.C. Escher once said, "Mathematics and art are related in a very close way." Both are creative; both are expressive; both deal with form and structure. In fact, the structure of a work of art can be considered a kind of mathematics. The use of math in art can bring a new level of depth and complexity to the creative process, making it a valuable tool for any artist. So embrace the intersection of math and art, and see where your creativity takes you. You never know what beautiful and unique creations you may come up with.