Caricature, Readymades and Metamorphosis: Visual Mathematics in the Context of Art

Mathematical homotopies, metamorphosis and computer animation provide excellent avenues for the creation of innovative, phantasmagoric art forms. Unfortunately, mathematical and computer art forms remain outside of the mainstream fine-art world in the United States. Issues regarding visual mathematics and mainstream art in relation to the art market and popular culture are discussed by this author, in context of her computer-animation work, which was created as an artistic commentary on ‘high’ versus ‘low’ art. This interdisciplinary collaborative animation, Venus & Milo, which involves topological homotopy, filmmaking techniques and caricatural humor, is described.