Math + Art DESMA 9

This week we learned how the development of mathematics has influenced the arts. After watching the lectures, I looked back at last week's lecture and remembered that there was a strong relationship between technology and art as well. Continuing with this idea, we can see how instruments such as the printing press were made through advances in technology, with the goal to distribute media to the masses. Additionally, we see how orgami (the art of paper folding) has opened doors in technological design by creating compact packaging solutions for airbags, parachutes, and telescopes.

(Oribtal Origami The James Webb Space Telescope)

(Dragon by Robert Lang) 

I think it's an understatement to say that something as simple as folding a paper crane has changed how people view mathematics, art, and science. I believe it's more proper to say that i technology is at its greatest when it simply disappears, and orgami does just that. Robert Lang stated that " Origami scratches all the itches that physics did and much more". After viewing his TED Talk on orgami, I immediately saw a relationship between art and science. I personally never realized how mathematically complex orgami was. I was never a fan of geometry, but now I see how it can be applied to real world situations. 

(orgaMIT club)

I researched Lang's design technique of "circle packing", and found out that the math algorithms used, revolutionized origami folding for artists, opening a new medium of expression and representation. Additionally, with the continuing research of orgami, scientists have been able to create compact telescopes, stents, and airbags. 

(Airbag tree - orgami - 3d render)

I think it's amazing to see the juxtaposition between art, science, and mathematics. Just as I find mutual friends in my current friends, the relationship between art, science, and mathematics shows me just how small the world. I found that the products around us carry such more thinking than we think. Simple designs like the wallet show us how design is so unappreciated in our world, when really, everything we look at has a little bit of art, science, and math behind it.

Sources:

N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 14 Oct 2013. <http://origamit.scripts.mit.edu/images/chan-mens.jpg>.

Joseph P., Kahn. "Origami finds new dimensions at MIT."Boston.com 02 14 2011, n. pag. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. <http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/02/14/at_mit_math_and_engineering_take_origami_to_new_dimensions/>.

John, Matson. "6 Fun Facts about the James Webb Space Telescope [Slide Show]." 03 12 2010, n. pag. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/slideshow.cfm?id=james-webb-jwst>.

"Robert Lang: The Math and Magic of Origami." TED: Ideas worth Spreading. N.p., July 2008. Web. 13 Web. 14 Oct. 2013. <http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_lang_folds_way_new_origami.html>.

Susan, Bell. "Know How to Fold 'Em: How Origami Changed Science, From Heart Stents to Airbags."LAweekly 04 26 2012, n. pag. Print. <http://blogs.laweekly.com/arts/2012/04/origami_japanese_american_nati.php>.

N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 14 Oct 2013. <http://www.origami-resource-center.com/images/scienceAirbag.jpg>.