A cultural history of the links between mathematics and art, from antiquity to today
This is a cultural history of mathematics and art, from antiquity to the present. Mathematicians and artists have long been on a quest to understand the physical world they see before them and the abstract objects they know by thought alone. Taking readers on a tour of the practice of mathematics and the philosophical ideas that drive the discipline, Lynn Gamwell points out the important ways mathematical concepts have been expressed by artists. Sumptuous illustrations of artworks and cogent math diagrams are featured in Gamwell’s comprehensive exploration.
Gamwell begins by describing mathematics from antiquity to the Enlightenment, including Greek, Islamic, and Asian mathematics. Then focusing on modern culture, Gamwell traces mathematicians’ search for the foundations of their science, such as David Hilbert’s conception of mathematics as an arrangement of meaning-free signs, as well as artists’ search for the essence of their craft, such as Aleksandr Rodchenko’s monochrome paintings. She shows that self-reflection is inherent to the practice of both modern mathematics and art, and that this introspection points to a deep resonance between the two fields: Kurt Gödel posed questions about the nature of mathematics in the language of mathematics and Jasper Johns asked “What is art?” in the vocabulary of art. Throughout, Gamwell describes the personalities and cultural environments of a multitude of mathematicians and artists, from Gottlob Frege and Benoît Mandelbrot to Max Bill and Xu Bing.
Mathematics and Art demonstrates how mathematical ideas are embodied in the visual arts and will enlighten all who are interested in the complex intellectual pursuits, personalities, and cultural settings that connect these vast disciplines.
Sarah –
Not simply a book, this is a gathering of ideas which, after fine analysis and catalysis are attributed redefined understanding. Mathematics and art are viewed in a holistic binding and interpretation. It is at the same time, specific about the points it is making and yet also infering a huge wider meaning. From a personal perspective, it blends science, nature and the esoteric to a profound level of understanding.
I am still in awe of this book and I dip into it rather than read consistently. It will be read and read and read however, it is rather addictive.
One irritation is the misleading attachment of Neil deGrasse Tyson. He wrote only the foreword. Lynn Bramwell is the author.
Vic in New York –
I purchased this after hearing Lynn Gamwell on a mathematics podcast and was impressed enough to buy her book. I’m not disappointed. This is a very large and image-rich book with fascinating insights into the commonly neglected influence on art of mathematics (as well as science and physics). Pick it up (it’s heavy) and read any page for a revealing and beautiful connection.
Enric Picó-Marco –
El libro cubre de forma muy amplia el tema de la relación entre arte y matemáticas. Alguno podria echar en falta determinadas referencias como el dripping de Pollock y la geometria fractal. En todo caso está muy bien documentado y cómo libro de colección, simplemente por su aspecto visual, es una maravilla.
C. Locheiven –
This is a seriously beautiful and interesting coffee table book. I thought it would be more an art book, but there is a surprising emphasis on the math. It is an eminently readable book with lots of great illustrations and photographs. Truly, this is a lovely book and very worth the price.
Ricardo Mansilla –
Mathematics and Art: A cultural history is a masterpiece of integration of mathematical knowledge with their artistic implications and vice versa. Filled with good figures and in-depth information, this book is a must for those who love mathematics and enjoyed the arts.
nigel –
My best Xmas present last year was Lynn Gamwell’s Mathematics and Art: a cultural history because I am awed by its volume of work and authorship. Its tome size surprised me.
The easy to read narrative and depth of topics discuss many of my favorite poets, painters and scientists with new insight into their work. Asian mathematics is well represented.
Cosmology and quantum mechanics are fashionable right now where as this book inspires one to think and observe the wonder of daily matter. There are some mistakes of fact such as stating that Galileo invented the telescope, which should not distract from this mighty piece of work.
Thinking like a mathematician or an artist has never been this good.
JackF –
I am thrilled that someone created this book. I am a photographer with a degree in mathematics and a masters in art history, so this might be my favourite book ever. I came to this after having fallen in love with concrete photography, so it has beautifully contextualized many of my interests.
Alta –
This is a big book…all pages in colours. High level of layout and design in general is fantastic. Too bad the cover came damaged on a brand new one….
Well R. –
Good for students who looked forward both science and arts
Katherine K. Jones –
Beautifully crafted book. Informative, interesting. 6/5 stars