Math + Robotics + Art

On the outside, it seems like math and art have nearly nothing to do with the one another. However, taking the time to think about it has allowed me to realize how important math concepts are to artists. This comes in the form of proper measurements, geometrical shapes, and the computational methods that allow for fractals for example. According to Nick Gessler, we can even track cultural changes using technology. This, of course, would require computational power which is just another word for math.

Fractal

I believe that math gives art more structure and organization than it would normally have. They go hand in hand even if it doesn't seem so to the naked eye. Another example of how art and math intertwine is through origami. Robert J. Lang has created hundreds of designs and is considered a master in this field. Geometrical shapes and precise measurements are required for these pieces of art. 

Origami

This leads us to concept of robotics and the arts. Before there can be robots, there must be mass production which started with Gutenberg's movable type. This is the beginning of a time of transition where, slowly, printing lead to more advanced electronics to eventually what is now known as the internet. Robots must have computational abilities and these are known as cyborgs or cybernetic organisms. An example of how this relates to art is through Gordon Pask's cybernetic art systems. This machine allows for mood and lighting changes based on the performer for which it is working. I find it very interesting that we are capable of creating technology that can do these tasks for us.

Robotics

Looking at Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting, as mentioned in this week's lecture, has helped me understand the concept of the Golden Ratio in art. This can be explained by looking at a line segment and envisioning that a small section to the larger sections' ratio is equivalent to the larger section to the whole piece ratio. 

Mona Lisa

Art, science, mathematics, and industrialization are all interrelated concepts in today's world. It is very difficult to find one that does not involve any of the other in this modern age. I would even say that they depend on each other for success. One example of this would be the cellular phone. It must have an aesthetic appearance (small, lightweight, pleasing to look at), it must have computational power which requires mathematics, and it is created on an assembly line. 

Citations:

Gessler, Nicholas. Interview by Margaret Wertheim. Things That Think: An Interview With Computer Collector Nicholas Gessler 2006. Cabinet. . Print. http://www.theiff.org/publications/cab21-gessler.html.

Lang, Robert J. "About the Artist." Robert J. Lang Origami. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.langorigami.com/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics Art." DESMA 9. University of California, Los Angeles. Los Angeles, California. 2012. 

Norman, Jeremy. "From Gutenberg’s Movable Type to the Digital Book, and Other Studies in the History of Media." From Cave Paintings to the Internet. Jeremy Norman & Co., Inc., 6 Aug 2011. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.historyofinformation.com/narrative/index.php>.

Da Vinci, Leonardo. Mona Lisa. N.d. Photograph. WikipediaWeb. 7 Jul 2013. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Mona_Lisa.jpg/677px-Mona_Lisa.jpg>.

Robot. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.quorrischarmyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/nod32robot.png>.

Paper Cranes. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://api.ning.com/files/rxvLLnWkyLjF74SrXXdTreK2sY01d91ZOnmneW8HqvTKyOmCGOUhDXukTCYz1qYUe9BYbSifQCcFxZ5-a6rWbb8ap-UqSxpl/MabonaOrigami1.jpg>.

Fractal. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://koleksifoto.com/images/wallpapers/31819736/Exclusive/Fractal_Art/Fractal_Art_17.jpg>.