“Making Math Artistic”

Recommended for Grades 6-8:Discover the creative ways artists apply mathematical concepts in

their works of art. From three-dimensional sculpture to two-dimensional works on the wall, students will explore ideas of scale, ratio, perspective, symmetry, and proportion. Let our galleries be a math laboratory where students can see math concepts at work!

Mathematics: 6.RP.1, 6.NS.2, 6.NS.3, 6.G.1

7.RP.2, 7.NS.1, 7.NS.2, 7.G.1, 7.G.2, 7.G.3, 7.G.4, 7.G.5, 7.G.6 8.G.1, 8.G.2, 8.G.3, 8.G.4, 8.G.5, 8.G.7, 8.G.9

Visual Arts: 6.V.1, 6.V.2, 6.CX.1, 6.CR.1 7.V.1, 7.V.2, 7.CX.1, 7.CR.1 8.V.1, 8.V.2, 8.CX.1, 8.CR.1

English Language Arts: 6.SL.1, 6.SL.2, 6.SL.3, 6.SL.4, 6.SL.6 7.SL.1, 7.SL.2, 7.SL.3, 7.SL.4, 7.SL.6 8.SL.1, 8.SL.2, 8.SL.3, 8.SL.4, 8.SL.6

North Carolina Common Core and Essential Standards Correlations:

Pre-Visit Key Questions:• What are some of the basic shapes and

lines that all artists can use in works of art? (Think: what geometric shapes can you find in a painting? What kinds of lines - parallel, perpendicular, horizonal, veritcal, etc… -?

• What can be the effect of playing with forms and proportions? (Think: if an artist uses all diagonal lines vs. flat horizontal lines. Or, if an artist exaggerates a figure’s features - ie: a larger head, or longer torso.)

Frank Philip Stella, Raqqa II (American, 1970)

Twin Figures (Ere Ibeji)

(Nigerian (Yoruba), late 19th century)

Marsen Hartley, Indian Fantasy

(American, 1914)

George Bireline,Matisse Window (American, 1964)

El Anatsui, Lines that Link Humanity(Ghanaian, active in Nigeria, 2008)

Ellsworth Kelly, Blue Panel(American,

1977)

Robert Motherwell, Two Figures, (American, 1960)

Aphrodite of Cyrene(Roman, 1st century)

Herakles(Roman, 2nd century)

Bernardino Lanino, Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints and Donors

(Italian, 1552)

Post-Visit Key Questions:

• Did you have a favorite work of art from the works you saw today? If so, what made it your favorite?

• What are some ways artists use math and mathematical concepts in creating works of art?