Celebration of Scholars
#19: Fibonacci Sequence and Golden Ratio in Visual Art and Media
Name:
Olivia Frank
Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Bloomington, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Mark Snavely
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Senior thesis
Abstract
Fibonacci Sequence and Golden Ratio in Visual Art and MediaHave you ever wondered why Sunday morning cartoons are so fun to watch? The answer may be found in the design of the Mona Lisa. The Mona Lisa is unique in the sense that it is mathematically proportionate in a pleasing way. In this study, we will ask whether or not modern cartoons and media utilize the Golden Ratio. To find the answer, we need to look at a man named Leonardo Fibonacci. We will analyze modern media cartoons and animated characters, and using pencil and paper calculations, compare the measurements of the characters to the Golden Ratio. In doing so, we will find if there is a modern significance of the Golden Ratio in developing art forms, or if new patterns have emerged. To find the measurements, we will take the ratio between different areas of a character’s body: for example, the length from shoulder to shoulder or the length from cheek to cheek. These calculations show that of the characters looked at, none followed the influence of the Golden Ratio, however, new patterns were found between animation productions. Going forward, meaningful results may be found by looking at animations made between artists, media houses, and countries to find new patterns that appear that may indicate where the characters originate.