EmmaDegerstedtweek2: Math and Art

Integrating Math and Art

(1)

During last weeks introduction lecture, our professor brought up her distaste of the 

lateralization of brain function theory. This week's material provided a similar tone so 

I decided to test my artistic "right brain" by taking an illegitimate facebook quiz titled "Which side of your brain is more dominant?" It came up with interesting results.

(2)

Being a North Campus major, I share the characteristics of a "right brain", however my results show my natural favoritism toward my "left brain." This. Proving that "No matter how lateralized the brain can get, the two sides still work together," (Cherry) (3).

(4)

Cherry's article stated this myth of a separation in brain hemispheres functionality was supported by all of the fascinating examples and videos we explored this week. For example, in lecture, the infamous Vitruvian Man, by Leonardo Da Vinci, collaborated with an architect to create this man with "ideal" proportions. In 2014, the influence of the 1487 painting is still prominent in our culture as shown in Fox's reality series, So you Think you can Dance.

 (5)

While exploring more contemporary artist's websites, my personal affinity for music attracted me to the Four Dimensions video by Nathan Selikoff (6). By incorporating a full orchestra, electronic sounds, and visual effects, the impressive video reflected what my production of The Little Mermaid accomplishes during the musical number, "Part of your World". However, we also incorporate nature by utilizing an eighty foot water curtain and projecting electronic images of the ocean to reflect off the water. The song is performed with a full orchestra, electronic mixing through my microphone, and various visual effects. 

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Photo taken during rehearsal for The Little Mermaid at Tuacahn Performing Arts Center

REFERENCES

(1) Left and right brain function illustration. Image credit: Shutterstock / Rakkandee

(2) Screenshot. Personal photograph by author. 2014.

(3) Cherry, Kendra . "Left Brain vs Right Brain ." Understanding the Myth of Left Brain and Right Brain Dominance. Web.<http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm>.

(4) Myers, Hal R. "Vitruvian Man." Hal Robert Myers. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 July 2014.

(5) IdolxDance. "New Intro - SYTYCD Season 11." YouTube. YouTube, 28 May 2014. Web. 07 July 2014.

(6) Selikoff, Nathan. "Four Dimensions - Real-time Audio-visual Performance - Nathan Selikoff." Nathan Selikoff. Nathan Selikoff, 2012. Web. 07 July 2014.

(7) Screenshot. Personal photograph by author. 2014.