The age-old practice of doodling in math textbook margins is one form of art. But for some artists, the textbook material itself can be transformed into art.
Despite the perceived gulf between the two subjects, artists seem to turn to mathematics for inspiration, while some mathematicians turn to art; M.C. Escher was substandard as a math student but was later inspired by geometric Islamic art to create the mind-boggling visual math-puzzles he is known for. Dick Termes has no background in mathematics, but experiments with high-level geometry and six-point perspective to create his termespheres, globes that display interiors on their exteriors.
"George Escher, M.C. Escher's son … bought a piece from me one time," says Termes. "He said to me: 'My father was a mathematician-artist. You're an artist-mathematician.' My background is in art. Math, I research to try and do my art better."
Conversely, former Microsoft employee Michael Schultheis's background in science and economics inspired his painting process. Schultheis works with acrylics and graphite on wood for Winston Wachter Fine Arts, layering over equations such as Galileo's derivative Cyclades, or C=d•?, with paint, sketchings, shapes, and other mathematical formulas. His layered artwork is inspired by the cluttered white boards of his board room days.
"While working at Microsoft, my teams would come into my office and we would fill white boards with our discussions. I often took photographs of the white boards to capture what we talked about … Now, instead of erasing the contents of a white board, I rub out the paint on the canvas before applying another layer," says Schultheis.
Math and physics graduates turned wood sculptors and architects Jane and John Kostick first started woodworking in order to better visualize their homework.
"In any multivariable calculus book you can look at drawings of shapes such as paraboloids or ellipsoids, but it's one thing to look at a diagram and another to see and touch the physical version of it," says Jane.
Working together
Artists who do not consciously incorporate science into their work cannot completely avoid its presence; geometry, patterns, symmetry, and the golden ratio are important elements of artists' work. Cubists, such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, explored quantum physics and relativity without any academic knowledge of the subjects. Metal sculptors such as Chuck Ginnever have no engineering background but employ computer systems to enable creative play with ideas before construction. Art can also inspire innovation; painter Georges-Pierre Seurat experimented with optical techniques and proto-pixilation, which in turn contributed to modern printing techniques and colour television.
Today, many organizations such as the International Society of the Arts, Mathematics, and Architecture actively foster this convergence between mathematics and the visual arts. The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics is one such organization and hosts an artist-in-residence: algorithmic artist Jean-Pierre Hébert. A leader in his field since the 70s, Hébert creates "visual synonym[s] for scientific equations" by working with physicists on patterns and singularities, black holes, waves, symmetries, and the process of RNA folding. He helps physicists discover and understand new shapes, processes, maths, and algorithms through visualization, while KITP's funding promotes art through talks, exhibits, and grants. Hérbert's work contributes to that of physicists and other artists.
From Piero della Francesca to Leonardo da Vinci, the visual arts have been unique in producing some of the most important figures in both arts and sciences. Contrary to popular belief, the link between the two disciplines can be instinctive and fruitful.
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