Mathematics and Art

Mathematics and Art How many of us are geniuses at Math? It's the basis of whatever transaction that happens in our daily lives. One big aspect of it is Fractals! Fractals are complex yet simple patterns of shapes that are used in different proportions and are linked with each other to create beautiful designs. Simple because each form is identified as a single form and complex because that same form when placed in a different colour and adjoined in a series creates a complex form. They are created by repeating the same shape over and over again till we get a design. Take flowers for example: each petal of the same flower is of the same shape but different sizes and when put next to each other or overlapped, they create one whole bloomed object. Geometry is at play here. Mandalas have intricate shapes of triangles and squares in a repeating pattern to create a symmetry. These forms as a whole are used in temples, mosques, shrines and various architectural structures. They intertwine to beautifully to create a strong magnanimous hold. In microbiology, when you look at a sample of any organism or blood, you can see the same object multiple times in different shapes and placements. These ‘shapes’ are actually molecules that are bound together in fluid motion that makes water, blood, or any part of the body in a fluid motion. So how are these magnified objects used in Art? In mid 1980s when computers became popular, graphic designing was one of the top experimented genres. Many artists used a single simple form and played with it to create massive designs. When you look at the construction of a building, you can see bricks laid out together in a formative pattern that holds as one big structure. At a macro level, humans are the biggest example fractals that exist on our planet. We look the same but have different skin colors, again creating a pattern all over the planet. Fractals are also recursive, regardless of scale. Ever go into a store's dressing room and find yourself surrounded by mirrors? For better or worse, you're looking at an infinitely recursive image of yourself. In traditional Indian Art, Warli painting is a great example. Small human and animal figures in the shape of triangles are placed next to each other to depict a community or a storyline portraying a celebration or an activity with a village. Fractals are a fun and never ending play of mathematics that is used in everyday life wherever we look. The next time you make a bracelet out of colorful rubber bands, you will see fractal design that you create on your own! Mandala in temples and mosques Budding flower Computer generated fractal design