*MATHS IN ART: A GREAT BEAUTY* Find out about an

artist who used shapes

MATHS AND ART: WORKING WITH CREATIVE STUDENTS Since ancient times there has always been a close relationship

between mathematics and art. Their many interconnections may

prove very useful from a didactic point of view.

CURIOSITY, research of BEAUTY, INTUITION and CREATIVITY are necessary elements to be an artist.

A mathematician needs these qualities too, together with discipline

and strictness (characteristics that never do harm in an artist!).

Very few students love maths because it is seen as somewhat dull,

dry, abstract that has little to do with our emotions. So it would be

interesting to find out how much mathematics is hidden in a

“work of art”.

In this way we could draw students’ attention to mathematical

techniques, and let them think over this subject as a journey that

will lead to the discovery of a world made of beauty and harmony.

*A kind of mathematics that does not lend art only its technical aspects but that can be a creative source of inspiration, with the result of having original and unexpected solutions.

*Our students were asked to watch a series of images, taken from famous paintings, in order to find out the mathematical elements and contents.

*Among them the attention was focused on an oil painting by Salvator Dalì: “The Last Supper”.

*In the background of the painting the students immediately noticed something that reminded them a soccer ball.

ANGELA: It’s a very beautiful painting!

FRANCESCO: It seems as they were in a ball…..

Teacher. : But……do you know how a soccer ball is made ? Would you

like to try together?

Students: Yes, we’ll make…… the soccer ball of Napoli football club!

*HERE IS THE

PROJECT OF OUR

BALL

* The students were impressed by Naum Gabo’s paintings

and life too. Gabo was a German mathematician who

lived in the first half of the last century. During his life

he decided to devote himself to art employing the

mathematical and technical knowledge he had.

*NAUM GABO’S ART

FROM PROJECT TO REALIZATION

Naum Gabo’s sculptures realized with steel cables

* A DESIGN THROUGH A

MATHEMATICAL GAME

JOIN THE NUMBERS

WHOSE SUM IS 10

WHAT CAN YOU SEE?....

ALL THE LINES PASS THROUGH

THE SAME POINT

*OUR STUDENTS AT WORK……

Ciro: it seems to me as they were many segments which have to do their own course.

Julia:if you look at the centre, you’ll see only black

Erik: it seems to me a big ladder

Vincenzo: Maths can have relations with different subjects; in this case it is related with Art. This may cause amazement in people; the works seem simple but they can change their meaning depending on who looks at them.

Many thanks go to the students

of the class 1°N and to

Mr Russo, our Technology

teacher, for his kind contribution and cooperation.