What Is A Torus?
A torus is a geometric shape that looks like a doughnut or an inner tube. In more formal mathematical terms, a torus is a surface of revolution generated by revolving a circle in three-dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the circle.
If the axis of revolution does not touch the circle, the surface has a ring shape and is called a ring torus or simply torus if the ring shape is implicit. When the circle touches the axis of revolution, it is called a horn torus. If the circle lies on the axis of revolution, it is called a spindle torus.
The torus is a common shape in nature and is found in many fields.
- Sculpture: In three-dimensional art such as sculpture, artists might use the torus shape for its pleasing aesthetic and symmetry. For example, some modern and abstract sculptors create large-scale works that are torus-shaped, utilizing its unique geometric form to create visual and conceptual interest.
- Painting and Drawing: Artists might use the torus shape in two-dimensional art as well. This can take the form of explicitly drawing or painting torus shapes, or using the concept of a torus to inspire the composition of a piece.
- Installation Art: The torus can be used in installation art as a way to engage with space. For instance, an artist might create a large, walk-through torus as a way of playing with viewers’ perception of interior and exterior spaces.
- Digital Art: In digital and computational art, the torus shape is often used because it’s easy to model and animate. It’s used in creating complex and interesting shapes, patterns, and structures in digital art and design.
- Conceptual Art: Beyond its geometric shape, the torus also has symbolic meanings which can be used in conceptual art. For instance, the torus could represent concepts such as cycles, unity, or infinity due to its circular form and the continuity of its surface.
- Sacred Art: In some cultural and religious art, the torus shape symbolizes divinity or the cosmos due to its endless and continuous surface, and is used in depictions of religious or spiritual concepts.
- Optical Art: In optical art (Op Art), artists may use the torus shape to create the illusion of movement or warping.
Enjoy some of our prints that contain torus art below!