DESMA9 Blog #2 Math+Art

Through this weeks lectures I learned about the application of mathematics in both modern and historic art. Despite what many people believe about the two subjects, math influences art and science greatly. It is even considered to be the bridge between the two. When watching the lecture I was extremely interested in Leon Battista Alberti and his work in applying mathematical principles of perspective and optic to his art. After researching further, I found that he applied some of the mathematical concepts we learned about in creating the Santa Maria Novella, a beautiful church in Florence. This church is famous for its beautiful façades, which are the front, top portion of the building (as pictured below). They incorporate mathematical concepts in that they must be completely symmetrical around their vertical axis. Although these mathematical principles may seem simple, his idea of combining the two subjects was revolutionary and increasingly important moving forward in the current more technologically advanced society we live in. With modern technology the relationship between art and science is growing rapidly. Today there are hundreds of new art forms that directly utilize mathematics through computers.

Charles Csuri is famous for pioneering the field of computer animation, computer graphics and digital fine art and was quoted saying, “I see technology as a means to create art objects and while I’m intellectually curious about commercial applications, it is art that I seek”. He explains in his blog that it may take time to become accustom to the tools of the computer, but eventually one can express just as spontaneously and creatively using the technology as in other art forms. This resonated with me because it directly relates to electronic music craze that is sweeping our nation. Just like how many artists criticized graphic design when it started out, electronic music is heavily criticized because to other musicians it seems impossible to express creatively through synthesizers and computers. Many argue that DJs are not real artists and are simply “button pushers.” However I’m sure Csuri would agree with me and many others that it is just a more technologically advanced way of expressing musical and creative feelings. Once you understand the workings of it it is extremely complex and takes a lot of creative ability just as Csuris work in graphic design does. The last two pictures below are some of Csuri’s work and a picture that symbolizes the artistic side of electronic music.

"Santa Maria Novella Florence." Santa Maria Novella Florence. Adrian Fletcher, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

"Renaissance Architecture." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Feb. 2013. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

"CsuriVision » Blog Archive » TACTILE-KINESTHESIS." CsuriVision. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

"Chuck Csuri." - GenerativeArt. Generative Art, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.

"Techmusic-pump." : Electronic Music Wallpapers 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.