ELA Component

I have chosen image creation from functions as my focus for my algebra project. For my ELA component, I decided to write up an argumentative essay. This essay will cover how math is used in art. In order to present this information, I will write it on this page of my PBL website.

How is Math Important in Art?

Art and mathematics have been in our history since humans were first created. Many argue that they are two of the most important achievements of humankind. Math is an important aspect of art. Artists have been using mathematic principles to refine their artworks for centuries. A general understanding of geometric and algebraic principles can help make a particular artwork look its sharpest. Certain tools that are used for math are also frequently used for drawings and other works.

For example, in math rulers are used to measure and to get precise, sharp lines. Protractors are used to create and measure angles. These tools are also used in many other instances. Artists use protractors to measure the distance between parts of their art and also to ensure that they get straight lines. Artists may also use protractors to make angles similarly to how they are used to create angles in math. Rulers are used in engineering, as well as in architecture. However, no matter what field they’re used in, rulers are used for the same exact thing all throughout--to measure and to ensure precision. In geometry, these tools are especially important. In order to draw shapes, you will have to get the measurements just right.

There are particular styles of art that rely almost solely on such precision. A large majority of abstract and modern art features, for the most part, expertly-used lines and shapes. Cubism is one particular artistic movement which features sharp lines and squares which create a mosaic look. In another painting technique, called Pointilism, artists strategically apply dots in a way that it creates a particular shape or image. Precisionism relies perhaps even more so on the useage of lines and shapes. Variety and harmony--two key artistic principles--are intermingled with mathematic principles in order to create a visually-appealing piece. Artists can use these principles in order to create extravagant works.

A strong understanding of how shapes work can be beneficial in creating a three-dimensional looking artwork. In many works, particularly in paintings and other large pieces, artists will use what is called a focal point--a way to signify the center of the piece. From that focal point, lines can be drawn using a protractor or ruler. These lines allow artists to understand where certain objects in the painting can be placed, and perhaps more importantly, how they can be positioned in a way that is visually appealing. When done properly, artworks can look three-dimensional and the illusion of depth can be created. Focal points can also be seen in math--for example, there is the origin--or center dot--on a coordinate grid.

Coordinate grids are used to plot lines, equations, and shapes. Grids are typically seen in algebra, but they can be found in other types of math, as well as in art. Some artists use grids as guidelines for their drawings. Two-dimensional video game designers will draw straight on a grid. In three-dimensional modeling, grids are also apparent. If an artist wants to ensure that their work is proportional, or even, he or she might use gridlines as a way to ensure that things are precise. Such is commonly done in graphic design, or while recreating a picture. On the subject of proportionality, it is another thing which is apparent in math. However, “proportional” is a vague term. Proportional simply means that all sides of a particular thing are equal. In math, it can refer to a ratio which is equivalent on both sides, or an aspect ratio in geometry. It can also refer to a linear equation.

In architecture, math is extremely important. Measurements must be perfect or else the entire schematic is flawed. A scale model is drawn on paper, which is called a blueprint. It is, generally, much smaller than that of the final product. Architects use compasses and rulers to properly measure lines and angles. After they are finished with the draft, they create a ratio. For example, the drawing might be in a centimeter scale, but the finished product must be in a scale of feet. So, they make a ratio of centimeters to feet.

A specific example of math in art is the ancient art of origami. This paper-folding technique originated in Japan and is still seen all over the world today. Paper is precisely folded in a specific order. These folds create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape. A good example of the results of origami is the infamous origami crane. Modular origami is a more advanced variant. Similar techniques used in regular origami are used to create geometric shapes.

Some may argue that math does not play a huge role in art. However, the opposite is true. Art probably wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for math. Art relies almost solely on mathematic principles. On the contrary, art principles are also a staple in math. Some of the principles are exactly the same, while others are very different. Altogether, they are very much alike each other.