MATH121: 2024 Geometric Assignment 2

Geometric Art: Exploring Shapes and Symmetry

1. Research and Exploration

In our research into hexagon we discovered that not only are regular
hexagons one of the most efficient shapes but they also appear in
nature because of this characteristic the most commonly known
example of this is a honeycomb, this space efficiency property is
also supported by its relationship with the equilateral triangle as a
regular hexagon can be divided into six equilateral triangles giving it
some of the strength that triangles are known for as well as being a
shape that can tesselate with itself leaving no space between the
connections of the regular hexagons
2. Art Creation
 3. Presentation

Importance of a hexagon in geometry

● Regular hexagons can tessellate successfully. Meaning it can cover a
surface without any gaps being left.
● The cells of a beehive are shaped as hexagons due to their productive use
of capacity and structural material.(Smith,2023)
● They find productive use in architectural planning.(Graham,2010)
● Hexagons are often seen in nature and are used in engineering and
construction due to their solidity and balance. (Rhodes,2023)

- Individuals can see arcs in 3D patterns of geographic and other information

more precisely because of hexagons. (Baugh,2024)

- Because of the hexagon’s 120-degree angles, it has the ability to minimise

the perimeter of an area that is given. (DeMuth Sullivan,2017)

- Hexagons symbolise balance and harmony. It holds a psychological

importance that has true meaning to a variety of cultures throughout
history. (Ward,2023)

- Hexagons have been respected and embraced into the art, architecture
and religious procedures of older cultivations such as Egypt, Greece and
Native American’s. Serving as a symbol of safety and healing, it acts as a
connection to their god’s. (Ward,2023)

- Sacred geometry acknowledges the hexagon as a symbol of great power.

The hexagons appearance in spiritual spaces, such as temples and
cathedrals, further focusses on its psychological importance. (Ward,2023)

- The representation of balance and harmony, gives us a reminder about

how important it is to find balance in our lives. The hexagon is also a
symbol of unification and merging, which motivates us to embrace the
differences we as human beings have. It’s evidence of variation and
change, reminding us that maturing is a continual part of our
psychological journey. (Ward,2023)
How their artwork reflects geometric principles.
In the yellow hexagons I made an artistic representation of
honeycomb one of the most recognisable naturally occurring
hexagon pattern in nature
I used tessellation of hexagons in the red hexagon to form a simple
but beautiful shape with them and it gave the artwork a feeling of
unity
In the green hexagons I divided the larger heptagon into six
equilateral triangles, this represented a relationship between a
regular hexagons and triangles
I also used enlargement and shrinking to give the art piece more
abstract feeling yet throughout the entire art piece there has only
ever been regular hexagon used, no other shape was used to make
this office. (except for the hexagon that I separated into triangles)

Challenges during the project.

The largest challenge we experience was converting mathematical
principles into artistic principles and representing mathematical
principles or mathematical characteristics in art, because it’s a lot
easier to say you just used mathematical principles in a piece of
abstract art than it is to actually show the use of mathematical
principles in the art without making it feel like just a shape and still
making it feel like a piece of art.
Another interesting challenge we faced was choosing what
characteristics of the shape we actually want to include because
there are a lot of symbolic characteristics outside of geometry that
popped up in our research and it was an interesting challenge to
differentiate between what is symbolic and what is actually a
characteristic of the shape.
4. Reflection

The hexagon, though seemingly a simple geometric shape, is a

fascinating subject at the intersection of mathematics, art, and
human cognition. Its symmetry, structural efficiency, and
aesthetic appeal make it a versatile tool not only in mathematics
but also in art and design. However, as we have explored,
converting such mathematical precision into art is far from a
straightforward process. It involves navigating the tension
between keeping mathematical integrity and introducing enough
artistic variation to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually.
One of the major challenges artists face when working with
hexagonal patterns is ensuring that their compositions remain
visually compelling without becoming overly repetitive or
cluttered. The hexagon’s natural tendency to tessellate provides a
foundation for complex patterns, but without careful attention to
elements like colour, scale, and texture, these patterns can
quickly overwhelm the viewer. Successful mathematical art—
especially when focused on shapes as regular and structured as
the hexagon—requires a delicate balance between order and
creativity. Artists must respect the mathematical precision of the
hexagon while also pushing boundaries to create works that
resonate emotionally, inviting viewers to experience the
geometry in new and engaging ways.
What makes the hexagon so intriguing in both mathematics and
art is its dual nature. On one hand, the hexagon is a symbol of
stability, regularity, and order. Its ability to tessellate without
leaving gaps and its appearance in natural structures like
honeycombs highlight its role as a shape of efficiency and
balance. On the other hand, the hexagon is also a shape that
lends itself to infinite creative possibilities. Artists, architects, and
designers can manipulate its properties to create dynamic,
visually engaging compositions that evoke feelings of harmony,
movement, and depth.
This duality reflects a broader philosophical question: How do we
reconcile structure with creativity? How can something as rigid as
a geometric shape inspire works of art that feel fluid, expressive,
and emotionally resonant? The answer lies in how we approach
the hexagon, not just as a mathematical object but as a form that
can be interpreted and transformed in countless ways. By playing
with scale, rotation, colour, texture, and composition, artists can
breathe life into the hexagon, turning a simple polygon into a
vehicle for artistic exploration and expression.
Furthermore, the exploration of geometric shapes like the
hexagon in art is intricately linked to cognitive development. The
Van Hiele model of geometric thinking illustrates how different
people perceive and understand geometric shapes at varying
levels of complexity. From basic recognition of the hexagon’s
visual form to advanced reasoning about its properties and
relationships to other shapes, the hexagon serves as both a
learning tool and a subject of artistic inquiry. Artists who
incorporate geometric shapes into their work, consciously or
unconsciously, engage viewers at different cognitive levels,
inviting them to not only appreciate the aesthetics of the shape
but also to think critically about its mathematical properties.
This cognitive aspect of geometric art reflects the broader role of
mathematics in human understanding. Geometry, after all, is a
way of making sense of the world around us. It allows us to see
patterns, recognise relationships, and appreciate the inherent
order in both natural and human-made structures. When artists
incorporate geometry into their work, they are tapping into this
fundamental way of thinking, encouraging viewers to explore
their own cognitive processes and engage with the artwork on
multiple levels—intellectually, emotionally, and aesthetically.
In conclusion, the hexagon is much more than a simple six-sided
shape. It is a symbol of the profound relationship between
mathematics and art, between structure and creativity, and
between cognition and perception. Whether appearing in a
honeycomb, a tiled floor, or a modern painting, the hexagon
continues to captivate our imaginations with its perfect balance of
form and function. As artists and viewers, we are invited to
explore the endless possibilities that arise from this intersection
of geometry and creativity, and to find beauty not only in the
precision of mathematics but also in the freedom of artistic
expression. Through this process, we come to appreciate the
hexagon not just as a mathematical object but as a versatile and
dynamic element that bridges the gap between order and
imagination.
This exploration serves as a reminder that art and mathematics
are not separate domains, but two sides of the same coin. Both
need a deep understanding of patterns, relationships, and
structures, and both offer endless opportunities for creativity and
discovery. In the case of the hexagon, this intersection is
particularly rich, providing artists with a canvas for exploring
everything from symmetry and tessellation to the emotional and
intellectual responses that arise when we engage with geometric
forms. As we continue to explore the interplay between
mathematics and art, the hexagon stands as a testament to the
power of shapes to inspire, challenge, and captivate us, both
intellectually and aesthetically.
5. Mathematical Application
A regular hexagon has equal sides, which makes the formula for the
perimeter is
P = 6 x side
Example:
P = 6 x 5 units
P = 30 units
And the area can be calculated using the formula

A = ((3√3) ÷ 2) × 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒^2
Example:
A = ((3√3) ÷ 2) × 5^2
A = ((3√3) ÷ 2) × 25

A = 64,95 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠^2

In the art work, shrinking and enlargement was used to give the
illusion that other shapes besides hexagon were used for example
the very small hexagons appear from further way as dots or circles
and the green hexagon was divided along some of its symmetrical
axis to separate it into six equilateral triangles for the representation
of the relationship between hexagons and triangles.

Group members:
Janko Lubbinge 45996644
Jeandre Strydom 50530542
Albert Smit 52294803
JH. Kruger 50228706