Friday, 18 April 2014

Bringing Mathematics Into Art Schools

By Michael Robert Peterson


Schools that entail art will be able to teach others about a variety of styles, whether they are conventional or more traditional by comparison. It goes without saying that there is more of a shift towards technology as well, since methods like CGI are so commonplace. However, this does not mean that methods like drawing have been totally done away with, especially when considering the story about Rafael Araujo. What he has done is incorporate drawing with a subject that is as far away from art, as we know it, as possible: math.

An article on CNN.com covered the work of Rafael Araujo and the way that it's been conceived is interesting. Instead of utilizing a computer to create his intricate illustrations, he instead puts a ruler and protractor to use. One can make the assumption that this is an archaic method to utilize, as there are far more advanced ways to create visuals. While this isn't necessarily wrong, the truth of the matter is that the basics used by Araujo serve to make his creations that much more interesting.

With the rules of geometry put into place, Araujo drew a series of butterflies that would seemingly take flight along paths of lines which curve around. Those who have never learned at art schools, or other regions, may not understand just how taxing it can be to create a spiral with nothing but basic tools but Araujo's work shows the precise nature of mathematics. It doesn't hurt that he started drawing like this at a young age. Araujo said that he, "began drawing perspective almost out of the blue" during his youth.

I am not the kind of person who remembers much from math class, so it's tough for me to determine how accurate Araujo's methods are. However, the work that he has created is hard to overstate, especially when even drawing the perfect circle without a protractor is a process that very few can grasp. The fact that he was able to utilize mathematics in order to make his art even better is tremendous, to say the least. No matter how taxing his efforts might be, I have to believe that they paid off for Araujo.

In addition, keep in mind the presence of color, which is another aspect of art entirely. Yes, the base image may be created but it the idea of incorporating certain hues is an entirely different monster. While one challenge may be conquered in the realm of art, one can be certain that another one will be residing in the distance. Rafael Araujo has the potential to overcome all of them, if the work that he produced with help from analytical practices is any indication.




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