With our buddy class we created Venetian masks and painted them with a focus on symmetry. This hands-on experience was an exploration of how art can also include mathematical concepts.
Venetian masks are renowned for being elaborate and beautiful designs. Traditionally, these masks were worn during the Venetian Carnival, allowing people to be involved in festivities without revealing their identity.
The students’ task was to create their own simplified mask, with the emphasis on symmetry.
I put spots of paint on one side of my mask so I could make both sides look the same when I squished it together.
The paint squished out the sides of the mask when I pushed it together. It looked really cool when I opened the mask. The paint was the same on both sides.
Symmetry
Symmetry is a fundamental concept in mathematics and means “having exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis.” In art, symmetry can be seen in everything from the layout of a painting to the design of architectural structures. By using symmetry in our mask designs, we were able to see how mathematics can enhance art by giving it balance.
We began by discussing how symmetry can be reflective, where one side of an object mirrors the other. This was particularly relevant to our mask project.
My favourite part of making the mask was putting feathers on it. I put them on so they were the same on both sides.
I brought some feathers from my chickens at home and decorated my mask with my feathers.
CRAFTING AND PAINTING WITH SYMMETRY
Our mask-making process involved several steps:
- Designing the Mask: We started with a choice of two basic templates for the mask. Each template had an identified fold in the middle. This was where the mathematical concept of symmetry came into play. Students placed different blobs of coloured paint onto one side of the mask. Once the colours were spread on the chosen side, masks were folded along the middle and both sides were pressed together. Pushing down firmly on the mask, the paint was transferred to the opposite side in a mirror image, creating a symmetrical pattern and creating a balance of colour on both sides of the mask.
- Constructing the Mask: Once the designs had dried, masks were trimmed and the eye holes were cut. Students used glue to attach feathers in a symmetrical pattern.
- Finalising the Masks: Elastic bands were attached to the sides of the masks to make them wearable dancing the Tarantella.
My mask was amazing. It had fiery red paint and feathers. I loved putting the feathers on my mask.
The Fusion of Math and Art
This project was a great example of how math and art can complement each other. By applying mathematical ideas to our artistic creations, students gained a deeper understanding of how symmetry contributes to the appearance and balance of a wearable item.
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