The Fibonacci Sequence

While still in the art academy, I watched the art of Mario Merz one day, and I was fascinated by the number sequences he used in his artwork, often in neon. This was how I learned about the Fibonacci Sequence, which is a sequence of numbers starting with zero and one. By adding the two numbers, the third digit is placed in sequence. The last two numbers are added together to get the next. The pattern then continues as follows: 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21 etc. It’s so fascinating because this sequence is found in nature, like in sunflowers and many other things.

When making a pattern of squares, the numbers are squared starting with two smallest squares next to each other (1,1), then adding up the width of 1 and 2 together (2) and 2 and 3 together and so on in a circular pattern. As shown in the paintings below, the squares form a spiral. The spiral is formed by starting in the upper-left corner of the first square and crossing diagonally to the lower-right corner with a slight bend rather than a straight line. The curve continues by crossing upwards to the upper-right corner of the second square and from there on to the upper-left corner of the third square. The spiral drastically widens with an arch to the lower-left corner of the fourth square, and so on.

This sequence is found in other natural phenomena. Shells, plants, our ears, storms like hurricanes and tornadoes, and many more natural structures exhibit this same structure. Another name for this spiral is "The Golden Spiral", because of the connection with the golden ratio.