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The Art of Science and Science of Art

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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are all the fields of calculations, rational thinking, logic, analytics, and research. A simple error can lead to much confusion while Art, on the other hand, is way more abstract, far from logic, and not based on any calculations. Any error or mistake is considered an "art" itself.

However, this is not always true to put Science and Art in two different categories. That's why a new acronym "STEAM" i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics is developed. Art, which was earlier considered a separate field is more connected to Science than we can ever imagine. 

Let's take a look at their beautiful relationship!


The Golden Ratio
Image credit: Pixpa


Leonardo Da Vinci:

Born in 1452, in Italy, he was a famous polymath, a person who knows plenty of subjects. He commanded in Mathematics, Painting, Engineering, Theory, Sculpture, and Architect. His brain adopted both, the creative and intellectual sides and that's why he was a pioneer of Science and Art. His famous works include the painting Mona Lisa, the Golden Ratio, the Vitruvian Man, et cetera.

The Famous Painting of Mona Lisa:

In 1503, Leonardo Da Vinci painted Mona Lisa, and why does this famous painting so special?
Let's take a look at it!

Mona Lisa

Da Vinci used a very fine motion of brush and at his time (and still) it was truly a very remarkable piece of extraordinary thinking and calculations. At a first glance, one cannot differentiate it from reality. Her facial structure is well-defined and did a great job of showing all the anatomy. It's definitely a work of art carefully handled with science. 

The Golden Ratio:

If the ratio of the length to width is exactly or close to 1.61803398874... it is considered the Golden Ratio or the ratio of beauty. Da Vinci developed it to mathematically calculate the beauty of the artworks, buildings, human faces, etc. This ratio can be seen everywhere in nature. 

Golden Ratio on a Rose
Image credit: InVision

Golden Ratio on a Shell
Image Credit: GoldenRatioProducts.com


Anyone or anything having this ratio is regarded as scientifically beautiful and very pleasing to the eye. 
Although, in my opinion, not having the golden ratio and bearing some imperfections is the beauty of the art itself and one can be as beautiful as a rose without any perfectionism!

Vitruvian Man:

Da Vinci drew the Vitruvian man with medium ink on paper in the year 1490. This drawing is based on the work of Roman architect, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (B.C. 1st). Da Vinci created this drawing of a man, from head to toe, to properly study the proportions of the human body and relate it with the universe and nature. He scribed it in circles and squares. This drawing is one of the most famous works of art today that joins creativity with intellectuality.

The Vitruvian Man 


Now let's take a look at some of the other natural things or phenomena that are the work of art themselves.

The Annual Rings of Trees:

A tree, when cut, shows a beautiful structure of rings that can tell a lot, such as the age of the tree.

Annual Rings of a Tree
Image Credit: Utah Public Radio


Annual Rings are the circles in a tree's log that appear every year when a tree adds more width around its bark. When cut down, we can tell a tree's age in this manner. Every year, two rings are formed, a light and thick ring in the Summer season when the growth is in full swing, and a dark and thin ring formed in the Winter season when growth is slower. 

This beautiful structure of nature is more than what the eye can see, nature never fails to surprise us in the most beautiful way. 

The Structure of the Stars:

In the night sky, a beautiful pattern of stars is always seen. Though they look rather scattered without any calculations if we look closely, this sky of ours is a perfect example of Science and Art together. Artists see the sky as a work of art and admire its beauty Scientists see it to study day and night, the motion of planets, predict eclipses, find their way on land by reading the sky, etc. 

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor 

Stars form a beautiful pattern which we call constellations. Stars closest to each other are joined together to form different shapes. This shows that the human mind itself cannot live without finding beauty in each and everything.

Pyramids of Giza:

Between 2550 BC to 2490 BC, the Pharaohs of Egypt established this ancient architecture which is now considered as tombs of Pharaohs. It took roughly 20 years and 100,000 men to build these pyramids. Still, a mystery how were these built so perfectly that at such an ancient time when only elephants and men were used to carry heavy loads and bricks, these pyramids are one of a kind, and nothing today can be seen as equal to them. These are perfectly calculated and strong monuments that also show true art in the most beautiful form. 

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Image Credit: Travel + Leisure

Solar Eclipse:

When Moon comes in between Sun and Earth in such a way that whole of the Sun is completely blocked when seen from Earth is called Solar Eclipse. In ancient times, it was considered the mark of bad fate and the death of the Sun but that's not completely true. From the eye of the Artist, this is one of the most beautiful phenomena when all the light from the Sun is gone and only "the Ring of Fire" around the Sun is seen.

Solar Eclipse and Ring of Fire

Phases of the Moon:

The Moon, which is an element of poetry and admired by many is the most beautiful object in the night sky. Though it does not have its own light and reflects the light of the Sun, but its reflection is so bright and soft that none can ignore its beauty.

Even when it is not full, in every phase it never fails to impress anyone. Many artists, poets, writers, etc use Moon in their works. Scientists have a special place for the Moon in their hearts. They study it with proper calculations, name all its phases, and even made a lunar calendar.

Phases of the Moon
Image Credit: NASA

And just like that, there are so many other things in the universe that are the perfect example of Science and Arts combined! If you have something in your mind, kindly let me know in the comments below.












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