Colors, geometric forms, art, and mathematics

Abstract

With the rising popularity of “pop” art, “op” art. and stunning geometric designs in femi nine fashions, the author is reminded how easily art and mathematics can be closely related, especially in the upper elementa ry school or junior high school classrooms. For students who have been convinced that mathematics is always associated with calculations or manipulations (or even hallucinations!), the following suggestions can arouse new interest in mathematics—and perhaps reestablish vigorous efforts when regular mathematical topics are pursued again. These lessons arc introductory art lessons that have ma thematical overtones, and it is im portant that the student not become too burdened with the mathematical ideas at the expense of losing interest in art. The concepts in both subject areas are simple and basic. and each student is given an opportunity to discover relationships for himself—in art as well as in mathematics.