
Artists and scientists view the world in quite different ways. Nevertheless, they are united in a search for hidden order beneath surface appearances. The quest for eternal geometrical designs is also seen in the sacred mathematical patterns created by the world's great religions. Tibetan monks fashion chalk mandalas representing the emergence of order in the universe. Moslem architects wrap their buildings in elaborate abstract tessellating designs. Celestial Tapestry places mathematics within a vibrant cultural and historical context. Threads are woven together telling of surprising influences that pass between the Arts and Mathematics. The story involves intriguing characters: the soldier who laid the foundations for fractals and computer art while recovering in hospital after suffering serious injury in the First World War; the mathematician imprisoned for bigamy whose books had a huge influence on twentieth century art; the pioneer clockmaker who suffered from leprosy; the Victorian housewife who amazed mathematicians with her intuition for higher-dimensional space.
This book investigates the historical and conceptual intersections between mathematical principles and artistic expression across diverse cultures. Nicholas Mee, a physicist and author, utilizes historical anecdotes and geometric analysis to argue that both artists and scientists are driven by a shared pursuit of hidden order. The text examines how mathematical structures, such as fractals and tessellations, manifest in religious iconography, architecture, and the works of unconventional historical figures.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Readers frequently note the accessible prose style that bridges complex mathematical concepts with historical narrative. Experts highlight this as a useful interdisciplinary text for those interested in the philosophical connections between aesthetics and quantitative logic.
Page Count:
336
Publication Date:
2020-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0192592939
ISBN-13:
9780192592934
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