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Exhibition of mathematical art

  

Organiser and curator: Katherine Seaton

TLC Building, level two (room 213)
La Trobe University, Bundoora campus

December 9–11, between 10AM and 4:30PM 
December 12, between 10AM and 1:30PM

Open to the general public — no registration necessary!

Background

We are excited to bring to fruition an idea some five years in the making: a physical exhibition of contributed mathematical art at the 2025 AustMS meeting. 


An exhibition of mathematical art, created by conference attendees, is a feature of the Joint Mathematics Meetings in the US (beginning with just ten exhibitors in 2004), adding to the conference experience for all. In Australia, we have had previous Special Sessions on Visualisation and Mathematical Art (2021, 2022), and the virtual CARMA/Matrix Math Art/Poster competition (since 2020). 


We anticipate being able to display two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces, either hanging, displayed on an easel, or sitting on a table. There will also be the possibility to show digital art on screens; this may be the most appropriate way to present large or fragile pieces which cannot be transported conveniently. 


If you use mathematics to create artwork, or make artwork to explain mathematics, we welcome your contribution. It might be created with the tools of mathematician—a compass and straight edge, or computer software. Or it could be sculpted from metal or clay, painted on  or printed on or drawn on or folded from paper, or woven or knitted or knotted. Mathematical poetry in printed form, and mathematically-themed clothing can also be exhibited.


Click on the image to view in higher resolution.
Singular wave by Peter van der Kamp
Artist's statement: "Depicted are three curves of an infinite family of cubic curves all going through the same three points. The singular wave is special because it visits one of those points twice. In Singular wave something catastrophic is about to happen; a violet blob launches itself into an orange sky." 
This piece was awarded second prize in the 2022 CARMA/Matrix Math Art/Poster competition.
Click on the image to view in higher resolution.

(Ir)regularity by Katherine Seaton

Artist's statement: "This work comprises eleven biscornu, which roughly translates as "irregular". Each one is made from two offset squares and has the symmetry of a square antiprism. By embroidering each with a different hitomezashi (one-stitch sashiko) design, a complete three-dimensional symmetry sampler of the axial point group D4d, and its ten subgroups, has been created. The whole group is depicted using a fractal (a Fibonacci snowflake), the trivial subgroup design is aleatoric, and traditional motifs with rotational and reflection symmetries have been combined to decorate the other nine biscornu."

This piece was exhibited at the Bridges Conference virtual gallery in 2021.

Information for contributors

Expressions of interest to be part of this exhibition will be received through the conference registration system. As this is the first such exhibition, we will accept pieces created since 2020, including any which have previously been part of the virtual CARMA/Matrix Math Art/Poster galleries.


Please also note the following:

  • All items must be delivered and collected in person.
  • Any item which arrives in a state not ready to display (e.g. paint not fully dry, no hanging mechanism attached) cannot be included.
  • The exhibition will be conducted on an "all care but no responsibility" basis. The exhibition area will be locked when not supervised by a volunteer.
  • There will be no separate fee for conference registrants to be part of the exhibition, but conversely you are responsible for obtaining insurance for your item if you require it, and special requests for display cannot be accommodated.
  • Items must be original; any contributions by others or by AI must be acknowledged.
  • This is an exhibition, and not a competition or an art sale.
  • Each item will be displayed with the name of the maker and a short artist statement, similar to the examples shown here.
  • Items must not be offensive. Please see the AustMS Code of Conduct.



Click on the image to view in higher resolution.

(Ir)regularity by Katherine Seaton

Artist's statement: "This work comprises eleven biscornu, which roughly translates as "irregular". Each one is made from two offset squares and has the symmetry of a square antiprism. By embroidering each with a different hitomezashi (one-stitch sashiko) design, a complete three-dimensional symmetry sampler of the axial point group D4d, and its ten subgroups, has been created. The whole group is depicted using a fractal (a Fibonacci snowflake), the trivial subgroup design is aleatoric, and traditional motifs with rotational and reflection symmetries have been combined to decorate the other nine biscornu."

This piece was exhibited at the Bridges Conference virtual gallery in 2021.

Singular wave by Peter van der Kamp
Artist's statement: "Depicted are three curves of an infinite family of cubic curves all going through the same three points. The singular wave is special because it visits one of those points twice. In Singular wave something catastrophic is about to happen; a violet blob launches itself into an orange sky." 
This piece was awarded second prize in the 2022 CARMA/Matrix Math Art/Poster competition.

(Ir)regularity by Katherine Seaton

Artist's statement: "This work comprises eleven biscornu, which roughly translates as "irregular". Each one is made from two offset squares and has the symmetry of a square antiprism. By embroidering each with a different hitomezashi (one-stitch sashiko) design, a complete three-dimensional symmetry sampler of the axial point group D4d, and its ten subgroups, has been created. The whole group is depicted using a fractal (a Fibonacci snowflake), the trivial subgroup design is aleatoric, and traditional motifs with rotational and reflection symmetries have been combined to decorate the other nine biscornu."

This piece was exhibited at the Bridges Conference virtual gallery in 2021.