I was surprised to find this compelling mathematical object at the end of a dark hallway in a nondescript hotel. The bending bands suggest level curves of some curious surface–and you can even see normal-like curves in its profile!
Art Representation
Wind Art
This sculpture by Charles Sowers functions simultaneously as a stimulating piece of art, a representation of data, and an illustration of vector fields.
https://www.fastcompany.com/1669276/a-weathervane-wall-turns-wind-patterns-into-data-art
Windswept is a giant billboard covered in little aluminum arrows that twist and turn in the wind. The arrows can be thought of as bits of data, namely, the direction of the wind that point. Taken together, and dynamically, they give a sense of the complicated nature of swirling and changing winds.
Just like this wonderful wind map, this sculpture represents mathematical ideas in a beautiful and thought-provoking way!
Appreciation Art
Mathematical Snow Art
This is unbelievable: artist Simon Beck creates large-scale works of art by walking intricate paths in the snow. Check out the photos at his Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/snowart8848
Creating these works obviously requires great detail in planning and often days to execute. I don’t know how mathematical Simon Beck is, but his art is clearly mathematical in nature.
This really puts my snow art to shame. I’ll definitely aim higher next time!
Appreciation Art Teaching
MfA Workshop with George Hart
As part of its mission, Math for America creates and supports interesting and diverse math learning opportunities for both teachers and students. A recent workshop led by George Hart, Chief Content Director of the forthcoming Museum of Mathematics, did just that, inviting a group of math-enthusiasts on an adventure through the worlds of geometry, engineering, and sculpture.
Inspired by Escher’s Planaria, Professor Hart designed and manufactured a linkage-system that can be used to build a face-centered cubic lattice. After assembling the pieces, the participants in the workshop were encouraged to build away!
It’s probably only natural that we became consumed with building something tall. And as we did, conversations arose about the role of symmetry in nature, as stability and strength in our structure seemed to demand it.
A fun, engaging, and mind-opening exploration of geometry, and much more! You can see more photos from this workshop on my facebook page and Professor Hart’s website.
Appreciation Art Geometry
3D Street Art
The painter Edgar Mueller uses dilation and perspective tricks to create absolutely mind-blowing three-dimensional pavement art.
The website is a little clumsy, but there are some really cool projects here, including The Crevasse, The Waterfall, and Lava Burst. There are also several videos showing how the artist puts these perplexing pavement paintings together.
For an interesting application of this idea, check this out: a 3D pavement painting of a child playing in the middle of the street! The idea was to get the attention of speeding drivers. I bet it did just that!