Mathematics in twentieth-century literature and art : content, form, meaning / Robert Tubbs.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tubbs, Robert, 1954-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mathematics in literature.

Mathematics and literature.

Literature, Modern--20th century--History and criticism.

Literature, Modern.

Mathematics in art.

Art, Modern--20th century.

Art, Modern.

Physical Description:

xvi, 162 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Other Title:

Mathematics in 20th-century literature & art

Place of Publication:

Baltimore, Maryland : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014.

Summary:

"During the twentieth century, many artists and writers turned to abstract mathematical ideas to help them realize their aesthetic ambitions. M. C. Escher, Marcel Duchamp, and, perhaps most famously, Piet Mondrian used principles of mathematics in their work. Was it mere coincidence, or were these artists simply following their instincts, which in turn were ruled by mathematical underpinnings, such as optimal solutions for filling a space? If math exists within visual art, can it be found within literary pursuits? In short, just what is the relationship between mathematics and the creative arts?In this provocative, original exploration of mathematical ideas in art and literature, Robert Tubbs argues that the links are much stronger than previously imagined and exceed both coincidence and commonality of purpose. Not only does he argue that mathematical ideas guided the aesthetic visions of many twentieth-century artists and writers, Tubbs further asserts that artists and writers used math in their creative processes even though they seemed to have no affinity for mathematical thinking. In the end, Tubbs makes the case that art can be better appreciated when the math that inspired it is better understood. An insightful tour of the great masters of the last century and an argument that challenges long-held paradigms, Mathematics in Twentieth-Century Literature and Art will appeal to mathematicians, humanists, and artists, as well as instructors teaching the connections among math, literature, and art"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Surrealist writing, mathematical surfaces, and new geometries

Objects, axioms, and constraints

Abstraction in art, literature, and mathematics

Literature, the Möbius strip, and infinite numbers

Klein forms and the fourth dimension

Paths, trees, and texts

Poetry, permutations, and Zeckendorf's theorem

Randomness, arbitrariness, and perfect numbers - The artworld.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 149-154) and index.

ISBN:

9781421413792

1421413795

9781421413808

1421413809

OCLC:

863196500