Mathematics and Art: Searching for Pattern

December 1, 2016 – January 22, 2017

Co-curated by George Fifield and Deborah Davidson

Opening reception: Thursday, December 1, 5-7p.m.
Gallery talk with George Fifield: 5:30p.m.

Kawandeep Virdee , Black Pentagonal Tiling with Variations on Orange, Acrylic on canvas, 72.75×73 inches, 2016.

“Mathematics is a search for patterns, and artists, in turn, create visualizations of the patterns discovered in their time.”  from Mathematics and Art: A Cultural History by Lynn Gamwell

Mathematics and Art: Searching for Pattern is the second exhibit in the Suffolk University Gallery fall Art+ Science + Design series.  Co-curators George Fifield and Deborah Davidson have brought together a range of responses to the idea of searching for pattern by artists, mathematicians and scientists. The works in the exhibit range from those that are computer generated, to 3-D sculpture, painting, drawing, and animation.

The exhibit is itself an expression of the many ways artists and scientists respond visually and otherwise to the influence of the principles of mathematics.  Some of the artists have math backgrounds, some a long fascination with patterns and symbols. Several of the participants are scientists – who have become captivated with the possibilities of creating computer-generated images that are visually compelling and allude to science as well. The rapidly developing technology of 3D printing has become a tool used widely by both artists and scientists.  As participating artist Phil Webster so succinctly says: “I believe we all share at some level an innate appreciation for symmetry and pattern.”

Artists

Thaddeus Beal
Bathsheba Grossman
Eric Heller
Gregory Gomez
Dennis Miller
Sarah Sutro
Kawandeep Virdee
Phil Webster

Co-curator

George Fifield is the director of Boston Cyberarts which runs the Boston Cyberarts Gallery and two public digital art projects, Art on the Marquee, on the 80 foot video marquee in front of the Boston Convention Center and the Harbor Island Welcome Center screens in the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, both in downtown Boston. In 2006, Fifield was awarded the 1st Annual Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Boston Arts Community by AICA’s Boston Chapter. In 2007, Boston Cyberarts was honored with the Commonwealth Award by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Fifield is a member of the Boston Arts Commission.  www.bostoncyberarts.org

Related programming:

Gallery talk:
Co-curator George Fifield will give an informal talk about his longtime interest in art and mathematics by way of technology.
December 1
5:30p.m.

Catalyst Conversations:

Math and Music | Dennis Miller and Hubert Ho
December 8
MIT List Visual Arts Center
Bartos Theatre
7-8p.m.

Ongoing in Gallery:

African Fractals
Origami and Math
Music and math: The genius of Beethoven – Natalya St. Clair 
Math and Van Gogh’s The Starry Night