Mathematical look at art in Seattle - II

Visiting Seattle Art museum I found several mathematical connections. The exhibit Geometries of Space featured two artists - Hans Hofmann and Al Held.

Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) Elysium II, 1963

"You make a thin line and a thick line. It is the same with geometrical shapes. It is all relationship. Without all these relationships it is not possible to express higher art." - Hans Hofmann, 1952

Auguste Herbin painting Fleur, Fruit 1945

Robert Delaunay Rhythm  No.2, 1938

Hans Hofmann was influenced by Delaunay.

Baraltja, 2009, natural pigment on eucaliptus bark by Gunybi Ganambarr, Australian Aboriginal, Ngaymil clan

I was really fascinated by Australian Aboriginal painters works, their continuous patterns. In the painting above water shimmering surface is depicted with diamonds that represent flowing fresh water and ovoids suggest darker, still muddy pools. Water surrounds ancestral lightning serpent Mundukul.

Kalipinya Rockhole, 2003, polimer paint on canvas, by Elizabeth Marks Nakamarra, Australian, Pintupi people

A rockhole is a place where water is retained on a depression in a rock. The artist grew up in a vast desert region where rockholes are treasured sources of water. Geometric maze is a reminder of channels of the water that leave tracks in the land after huge lightning storms and flash floods pass through the desert. 

Coiled baskets by indigenous people of Northwest have beautiful examples of geometric ornaments. All these baskets were created for ceremonies, to honor food.