Mystical world of mathematics : Mandlebrot

If you haven’t heard about the Mandelbrot fractals, you are missing one hell of a wonder which is simply unravelling. As I always quote, deep down in the design world, it is always about equations and numbers. As it happens, these fractals were just a 2 dimensional representation of magical designs until Daniel White and Paul Nylander constructed the 3D Mandelbulb.

The 3-D renderings were generated by applying an iterative algorithm to a sphere. The same calculation is applied over and over to the sphere’s points in three dimensions. In spirit, that’s similar to how the original 2-D Mandelbrot set generates its infinite and self-repeating complexity. Beneath this geeky stuff, there is a strange yet creative world of 3D abstraction.

The original Mandelbrot is an amazing object that has captured the public’s imagination for 30 years with its cascading patterns and hypnotically colourful detail. It’s known as a ‘fractal’ – a type of shape that yields (sometimes elaborate) detail forever, no matter how far you ‘zoom’ into it.

It’s found by following a relatively simple mathematical formula. But in the end, it’s still only 2D and flat – there’s no depth, shadows, perspective, or light sourcing. But, the results are breath-taking.

I have shared some of the best Mandelbulbs created by Daniel White. Take a look :

To learn more of such awesome fractal art, please visit Daniel’s website : Mandelbulb

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