Module 2: Math + Art

This week’s topic was on the relationship between mathematics and art. Perspective is greatly influenced by mathematics. Linear perspective and the vanishing point allowed for realistic portrayal of depth in artwork (Frantz). The Golden Ratio is a mathematical concept that is used throughout historical art and architecture (UC Online). Art is limited by our comprehension. Although higher dimensions theoretically exist, we can only perceive three, preventing us from creating art in higher dimensions (Abbott).

(Hill)

Ross Hill uses linear perspective and the vanishing point to create this landscape art. The edges of the river are parallel, but appear to converge underneath the bridge in this two dimensional portrayal, giving the artwork a sense of depth that helps give off a three dimensional feel. 

(Mauney)

The Golden Ratio is used throughout history in both art and architecture. The Pantheon is an example of how the ancient Greeks used the golden ratio in their engineering, combining both art and mathematics to create a structure that is still considered a marvel today.

(Mauney)

The Great Wave is an artwork widely portrayed in murals throughout Southern California. It uses the Golden Ratio to model the geometry in the wave.

Artists and scientists cannot escape mathematics in their work. While the success of their work is largely based on their creativity, mathematics provides the structure that allows them to create cohesive images that mimic the three dimensional world on two dimensional mediums.

While today we view mathematics, art, and science as three separate disciplines, they are really not different at all. Each discipline has a higher concentration of certain topics, but they all encompass the same principles.



Works Cited

Abbott, Edwin A. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. Gildan Media LLC aka G&D Media, 2022.

Frantz, Marc. Vanishing Points and Looking at Art. 2000, https://www.cs.ucf.edu/courses/cap6938-02/refs/VanishingPoints.pdf.

HILL, ROSS. “Evolution of Landscape Art: Exploring Nature’s Canvas through Paint.” Rosshillart, 21 Dec. 2023, https://rosshillart.com/blogs/news/evolution-of-landscape-art-exploring-natures-canvas-through-paint.

Mauney, Anna Claire. “The Golden Ratio Revealed in 7 Masterpieces.” Art & Object, https://www.artandobject.com/slideshows/golden-ratio-revealed-7-masterpieces. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

UC Online. Mathematics-Pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.Mov. 9 Apr. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg.

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