Mathematics and Art

That mathematics is a creative endeavour and has an aesthetic associated with it has long been the refrain of the purists, contrary to the popularly held opinion that mathematics is about skill in dealing with numbers. P. R. Halmos, an esteemed mathematician of the twentieth century justifies the very need for mathematics on two grounds: practical utility and since it is an art.[1] Since art itself may be justified as a means to an end: learning about oneself and carrying out positive social change, it remains to be seen how mathematics as a discipline can be used for understanding the self and for carrying out social change. While some arguments have been posed for the former, such as that given by J W N Sullivan who says[2]:

Mathematics, as much as music or any other art, is one of the means by which we rise to a complete self-consciousness. The significance of mathematics resides precisely in the fact that it is an art; by informing us of the nature of our own minds it informs us of much that depends on our minds.

but it still remains to see how mathematics can be implicitly used to carry out positive social change. Maybe the current direction of the subject itself is required to be changed for this to be achieved.

References:

1. Halmos, P. R. “Mathematics as a Creative Art” American Scientist, vol. 56, no. 4, 1968, pp. 375–89. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27828328. Accessed 23 July 2023.

2. Hickman, Richard, and Peter Huckstep. “Art and Mathematics in Education.” Journal of Aesthetic Education, vol. 37, no. 1, 2003, pp. 1–12. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3527417. Accessed 23 July 2023.

A sketch by Rembrandt

The Amstel River near Amsterdam is depicted in Rembrandt's drawing The bend in the River Amstel near Kostverloren House. While the artist is known more for his paintings, this little sketch has a beauty of its own. It is on brown paper which conveys a sense of nostalgia and nicely captures the surrounding landscape. One feels like being there!

The drawing is currently in the archives of Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, UK.

Some famous paintings

(Using ChatGPT)

In colors bold, let's embark on a poetic flight,

Where famous paintings come alive, shining bright.

Mona Lisa's enigmatic, knowing smile,

Da Vinci's masterpiece that captivates, defying style.

Van Gogh's Starry Night, a celestial dance,

Swirling brushstrokes, emotions enhance.

Guernica, Picasso's lament for a war-torn land,

Chaos and pain depicted by his masterful hand.

In colors bold, let's embark on a poetic flight,

Where famous artworks shine with radiant light.

Mona Lisa's enigmatic, knowing smile,

Da Vinci's masterpiece, captivating in style.

Dalí's Persistence of Memory, surreal and strange,

Melting clocks on a dreamlike range.

Mahmoud Said's Whirling Dervishes, mystical grace,

Sufi dancers spinning, seeking divine embrace.

Monet's Water Lilies, serene and serene,

Nature's reflection, a tranquil scene.

From Leonardo's Mona Lisa to others untold,

Art's rich tapestry, a story to be unfold.

In galleries and museums, they find their place,

Celebrating art's beauty, connecting time and space.

Through varied forms, they provoke and inspire,

Immersing us in creativity's everlasting fire.

So let us celebrate these masterpieces renowned,

Each with its own story, meaning profound.

From paintings to drawings, art's abundant worth,

Enriching our lives, on this creative Earth.

Guenon on art

(Using ChatGPT)
René Guénon was a French metaphysician, philosopher, and author who wrote extensively on various subjects, including art. Guénon's views on art were rooted in his broader philosophical and metaphysical framework, which he often referred to as Traditionalism.
According to Guénon, art serves a deeper purpose beyond mere aesthetics or entertainment. He believed that true art should be a reflection of higher metaphysical realities and spiritual truths. For Guénon, art was a means to express and communicate these higher principles and to establish a connection between the physical and metaphysical realms.
In his book "The Symbolism of the Cross," Guénon explores the symbolism found in various forms of art, particularly religious art. He argues that the symbols used in art are not arbitrary or created for decorative purposes but are actually representations of spiritual and metaphysical truths. Guénon saw art as a way to convey profound insights and timeless wisdom that transcends the limitations of language.
Furthermore, Guénon criticized modern art movements, such as Impressionism and Cubism, which he considered to be a departure from the traditional principles of art. He believed that these movements emphasized individual subjectivity and abandoned the metaphysical and symbolic dimensions that he considered essential to true art.
In summary, Guénon's perspective on art emphasized its role as a vehicle for metaphysical and spiritual truths. He saw art as a means to express and transmit higher realities and criticized modern art movements that deviated from traditional principles and symbolism.

Intro

 I'll mostly be posting tidbits about other artists and art resources here. Mostly will talk about sketches and paintings. It is probably going to be something of only academic interest, and maybe of use to someone.