Mathematical Basis of Computer Art
Ways Early Digital Art Movements Were Inspired by Math
Sep 17, 2009
Emmer introduces his ideas about math and creativity in an article called New Shapes in Mathematics a Bridge between Art and Mathematics by saying, “No doubt that in the last years a revival of interest for creativity in mathematics has taken place; mainly for the possible connections with the artistic creativity. The principle motivation for this new interest is the large diffusion of computers with high graphic facilities.”
Modern Influence of Pythagoras
The Constructivist and Formalist aesthetics of the early years of the 20th Century gave rise to a renewal of interest in the theories of Pythagoras. This Greek Philosopher regarded the universe as resting on a mathematical framework. This interest in Mathematics influenced generations of artists. From the Bauhaus to De Stijl, artists such as Matyla, Ghyka, Doesburg and Vantongerloo began producing precision art.
It is pointed out by Meredieu, in the book Digital and Video Art that decorative arts teaching, together with a revival of interest in mathematical concepts, paved the way for and then became superseded by the theories of Max Bill. After the publication of The Mathematical Way of Thinking in the Visual Arts of Our Time in 1949, Functionalist views were expressed throughout the art world. This set the scene for a technological art movement for the following decades.
The Beginnings of Computer Art
Artists who used the computer began there experiments by manipulating concepts rather than images. They applied mathematical or graphics codes and formulae to their work. The computer simply accentuated and promoted the development of a movement that had already been anticipated in the visual arts.
Some artists began by simulating computer output, imitating its procedures by operating within a system of extremely strict data and constraints. Others sort to steer the movement towards scientific research. Manipulating data on graph axis by assigning values in a systematic manner spawned an era of highly engaging artworks.
Mathematical Aspects of the Op Art Movement
Abstraction and minimalism were the main features of a period, which spawned what is called Op Art. Artists used computers to help with geometrical calculations combined with technological treatment of images.
On page Mèredieu says that artists such as Vasarely and Soto made use of grids, frameworks and watered effects. Other artists like Franke focused on interlocking spherical forms.
The Aesthetic Value of Simplicity
The “informational aesthetic,” which states that the most simple, most efficient forms are the most effective, became a pervading influence of these times.
And so it was that cubes, scrolls and curves were used in a variety of ways. They merged, superimposed and overlapped. As the body of work evolved from this movement attractive mechanically styled artwork emerged.
Resources:
- Bill, M. The mathematical way of thinking in the visual art of our time. In The Visual Mind: Art and Mathematics, M. Emmer, ed. Cambridge. MIT Press 1993.
- de Mèredieu.F. Digital and Video Art. Chambers Arts Library. Edinburgh. 2001
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