WEEK 2

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MATH + ART

The lessons from this week shed light onto the relationship between mathematics and art. Similar to the diverging relationship of science and art in our society today, we learned that math and art follow a similar suit. 

The relationship between math and art comes and is shown in many forms, however, one that was highlighted in Professor Vesna’s lecture was the “golden ratio”(Vesna). Professor Vesna refers to this as the “ultimate connection” between the two disciplines that many people associate as opposites (Vesna). The “golden ratio,” also known as divine proportion, is a mathematical expression “ratio of two sums whereby their ratio is equal to the larger of the two quantities” (Palmer). This divine proportion however is and has been heavily used in art — now and in the past. 


One artist in our history who is often referenced when talking about the golden ratio is Leonardo DaVinci, as it became a “critical instrument in the matter of accurate proportionality” in art pieces (Mona Lisa Foundation). One of DaVinci’s most iconic and notable pieces, the Mona Lisa, is considered to be the perfect example of perfect proportions, and has often been suggested that DaVinci used the golden ratio when creating his painting. Da Vinci’s early work, in addition to the Mona Lisa, is often seen as the beginning of the use of the golden ratio in artwork.


The Golden Ratio of the "Mona Lisa" from Classic FM, Getty Images. 

Another notable artist who showcases this dual discipline relationship, is Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Corbusier is considered to be a pioneer of a brutalist modern architecture, and is known to have utilized the golden ratio is his own “Modulor system” of proportions in his buildings (Meisner). He created a proportions system for his work through the juxtaposition of human body proportions and the golden ratio. One example of this proportions system is in the United Nations Secretariat building, completed in 1952 (Meisner). 


United Nations Secretariat Building from The Skyscraper Center.


To me, the juxtaposition of mathematics and the arts is something that is completely necessary when creating art. From what we have learned this week, whether it is consciously or subconsciously, art and math always go hand in hand, and to further elaborate, math “has a long relationship with creating art” (Blutick). 


Refer to the video below, which highlights the relationship between mathematics and architecture, from SimpleShow Foundation.







Blutick. “Why Creativity and Maths Go Hand in Hand.” Blutick, 15 Dec. 2020, blutick.com/why-creativity-and-maths-go-hand-in-hand/.

Meisner, Gary, et al. “UN Secretariat Building and the Golden Ratio in Architecture.” The Golden Ratio: Phi, 1.618, 3 Oct. 2016, www.goldennumber.net/un-secretariat-building-golden-ratio-architecture/.

Mona Lisa Foundation. “Leonardo and Mathematics.” The Mona Lisa Foundation, 9 Aug. 2018, monalisa.org/2012/09/12/leonardo-and-mathematics-in-his-paintings/.

Palmer, Lauren. “History of the Golden Ratio in Art.” Artnet News, Artnet News, 2 Oct. 2015, news.artnet.com/art-world/golden-ratio-in-art-328435.

Rizzi, Sofia. “What Is the Fibonacci Sequence – and Why Is It the Secret to Musical Greatness?” Classic FM, Classic FM, 1 Oct. 2021, www.classicfm.com/discover-music/fibonacci-sequence-in-music/.

Simpleshow Foundation. “Maths and Architecture .” SimpleShow Foundation, 18 Aug. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pBXcYhm_3k.

“United Nations Secretariat Building.” United Nations Secretariat Building - the Skyscraper Center, www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/united-nations-secretariat-building/3737.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture - Mathematics Pt. 1. 9 Apr. 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMmq5B1LKDg.






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