Art projects involving Fibonacci can result in unusual, unexpected patterns.
Historically, art and mathematics are inextricably linked. Famous artists who used a mathematical approach to create symmetry and mystery in their work include Da Vinci in his "Mona Lisa" and "The Vetruvian Man," Rembrandt in his "Self Portrait" and Dali in his "The Sacrament of the Last Supper," reports The University of Georgia. You can follow in their footsteps and create your own artwork by incorporating the Fibonacci sequence.
Abstract Art
Emulate or use as inspiration famous pieces of abstract, mathematical art like "Composition with Red, Yellow and Blue," which Dutch artist Piet Mondrian created in 1921, as described by the official Piet Mondrian website. Use the Fibonacci sequence to build your own, unique composition. Try creating intersecting lines and objects based on the pattern of Fibonacci. Add different colors in a new arrangement. If funds permit, use the pattern as a template for a stained-glass window, leaving some sections clear for extra effect and more light penetration. For extra mathematical significance, concentrate on using primary colors (red, green and blue), complementary colors or additive mixes. A complementary color is one that mixes with another complementary color to make white, according to Hyper-physics.
Golden Spirals
Create a golden spiral similar to the one seen in natural shell patterns and pine cones by drawing adjacent squares that use Fibonacci numbers. Start with a square with equal sides, such as 1 inch by 1 inch. In a clockwise direction, add another identical square to one side of the original square to give a rectangle. Now draw a third square that is 2 inches by 2 inches (double the first two squares) to one of the longest edges of the rectangle, which creates another rectangle. Add a fourth square to the longest edge. You can continue to make a set of squares and rectangles as large as required. Now draw a curved line from the central point to the point a quarter turn away from it, and again and again until it forms a spiral.
Colorless Compositions
Develop a Fibonacci-based image or composition using black pen or pencil. You can use any pattern or design, but the lengths of the lines and the areas of the shapes must conform to the numbers contained within the Fibonacci sequence. By omitting different colors, the patterns and relationships between the different elements of the composition become more apparent. You can create striking images following this process. It may be interesting to find out if there is any difference in the overall effect depending on whether you use the Fibonacci numbers in sequence or at random.
Sculpture and Construction
The extent of this art project depends on funding and location. If resources are available, a sculpture or piece of architecture based on Fibonacci can best illustrate the power of using mathematics in design. Try starting with a simple cardboard or paper model and developing the shape and pattern based on your choice of Fibonacci numbers. An example of this process is a simple tower design at California State University. Construction projects can involve your own designs or you can base them on existing historical designs such as the Pantheon, which used Fibonacci and the Golden Ratio in its creation.
