Kaz Maslanka

1+1+1+1+1+1+1 = 1

2000, digital art duratran displayed in a light box

This work creates a metaphoric path from the concept of confusion, to where seven deities meet. The piece uses the analytic geometry distance formula in a seven dimensional space where each dimension is a gradation from confusion to a point where a deity exists.

Kaz Maslanka's art career spans over 30 years. His first paintings, inspired by music, were actually images, which he visualized in the music. His synaesthesia then followed a more empirical path by creating a visual language for aural experience.
Kaz's interest in correlating experience through language spawned his desire to study mathematics and physics. He is currently pursuing his interest in using mathematics as a language for art.
Kaz sees the aesthetics of art and the aesthetics of mathematics being very different. Kaz says the main difference between mathematics and art is that pure mathematics has no expression for metaphor. Moreover, art is unable to illuminate the logical structures of our mind. In addition, pure mathematics has no expression for culture, whereas art is the expression of culture. Kaz feels his expression of using the mathematic aesthetic as a language for the service of the art aesthetic is much the counterpoint of M. C. Escher who used the art aesthetic as a language for the service of the mathematic aesthetic.
Kaz serves the concept of polyaesthetic and mathematical poetry by viewing mathematical equations as similes and the variables within the equations as capable of being metaphors.
If one views the variable as merely a generic concept, then virtually anything can substitute the variable. This freedom can transform equations for uses other than scientific. This method frees equations from the boundaries of denotation and opens up a new world in the realms of connotation.
Kaz has chosen to write words or phrases in place of the variable. Mixing poetry in the structure of mathematic equations enables him to blend the aesthetics of poetry, science and mathematics.
By placing words or concepts in place of analytic geometry variables, one can see an aesthetic formation of concepts in space. With phrases embedded in the mathematic equations, one can construct relationships between the phrases that can bring a linguistic richness to subjects that do not normally use mathematics as a language, e.g. cultural, spiritual, etc.
Kaz infuses his ideas into mathematics and physics equations in ways that transform a physics equation into a metaphor. He uses the language of math, poetry and visual art to create a multifaceted synergy of contemporary cultural ideas.
Kaz employs this rich polyaesthetic palette to explore archetypes in a contemporary context and to express his own mythology in his struggle to comprehend nature's judicial system, to direct and guide his life's moral and ethical decisions. Kaz sees some of his artwork as spiritual truths and some just as celebrations in a spiritual dance.