The bonds between art and mathematics are well-known, but yet we rarely apply mathematical thinking while visiting a fine arts museum. This book contains multiple examples on the mathematical insight contributing to a better understanding of an artwork, an artist's methods and ideas.
The mathematics of the book includes
- Properties of polyhedra;
- Combinatorics of dice throwing;
- Symmetry;
- Geometry of circles;
- Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio;
- Geometric optics;
- Linear perspective;
- Star polygons;
- Non-orientable surfaces;
Each chapter contains a study of an art object from the collection of Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, followed by the mathematical description, a list of mathematical problems, biographical notes on the artist, and creative projects.
The art under consideration is not limited to the collection of the local museum: every chapter offers list of examples of the artworks from the prominent art museums of the world that can be connected to the same mathematical ideas.
The material is based on the workshops taught by the author at the math enrichment program Math Circle Seminar at Kansas State University.
Readership: The book is addressed to a broad spectrum of readers interested in the relations between art and mathematics, including general public, professional mathematicians, professional artists, math and art educators, parents and school students.
Preview material: