Number Sequences in Fine Arts Beautiful number sequences with incredibly interesting properties appear in every part of modern mathematics. Some of them made into museums in the form of conceptual art objects.
Roman Opalka, a conceptual artist, starting with numeral one in 1965, painted consecutively natural numbers
until his death in 2011. The final number he painted was 5,607,249. Official website of the artist
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City (online catalogue)
- Sol LeWitt (American, 1928 - 2007)
1 3 5 7 9 11
Object number: F99-33/8
is the tribute to the sequence of odd numbers
-
Donald Judd (1928-1994)
Untitled (Progression)
Object number: 2003.7
In this artwork the lengths of the bars decrease as the elements of the geometric progression with the ratio 1/2:1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, while the spaces between bars grow with the rate 2:1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2.
Fibonacci numbers
The legendary sequence of Fibonacci numbers starts with the entriesA collection of mathematical facts and problems on Fibonacci numbers and some discussion with references on the myth of the golden ratio can be found in Chapter 6 of the book.
-
The highly influential architect of the XXth century Le Corbusier was fascinated by the possibility to apply golden ratio in modern architecture.
He suggested a system of proportions the Modulor based on a sequence that is defined by the same rule as Fibonacci numbers (any element is the sum of preceding ones), but with different starting elements. His mathematical deductions were not correct, but nevertheless the famous architect actively promoted his invention and built Unite d' Habitation in Marseille (France)
Foundation Le Corbusier . Check Mathematical Commentary on Le Corbusier’s Modulor for the detailed analysis of mathematics of the Modulor. - The Italian artist Mario Merz (1925-2003) used Fibonacci numbers in his art as the signature feature. The artist often introduced neon words and Fibonacci numbers in his installations. Mario Merz in MOMA
Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art in Manhattan, KS (online catalogue)
-
The decorated tabletop of this artwork intentionally refers to the golden ratio proportions.
-
John L. Vogt (United States, 1930- 2009)
Pyrrho Techniko,
Wood and steel
Object number: 2009.116