Mathematics as Art: The Vision of Mathematics: A Beautiful Elsewhere.

Description

“Mathematics: A Beautiful Elsewhere” was an innovative exhibition held at the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris from October 21, 2011, to March 18, 2012. The exhibition aimed to provide visitors with, in the words of mathematician Alexandre Grothendieck, “a sudden change of scenery,” by exploring the intrinsic beauty and abstract nature of mathematics.  The Fondation Cartier collaborated with a distinguished group of mathematicians and scientists, including Sir Michael Atiyah, Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, Alain Connes, Nicole El Karoui, Misha Gromov, Giancarlo Lucchini, Cédric Villani, and Don Zagier. These experts represented a wide array of mathematical disciplines, such as number theory, algebraic geometry, differential geometry, topology, partial differential equations, probability, and applications of mathematics to biology.

To bridge the gap between the abstract world of mathematics and the sensory experiences of art, the foundation invited nine artists known for their curiosity and ability to listen: Jean-Michel Alberola, Raymond Depardon and Claudine Nougaret, Takeshi Kitano, David Lynch, Beatriz Milhazes, Patti Smith, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Tadanori Yokoo. These artists collaborated closely with the mathematicians to create works that transformed complex mathematical concepts into tangible experiences accessible to a broad audience.  The exhibition featured a variety of installations and artworks that delved into both pure and applied mathematics. Highlights included David Lynch’s creation of a zero-shaped structure housing Misha Gromov’s “Library of Mysteries,” offering insights into significant events in the history of mathematics and human thought. Another notable piece was Hiroshi Sugimoto’s “Surface of Revolution with Constant Negative Curvature,” a hyperbolic form reflecting the elegance of mathematical abstraction.

The exhibit offered a multifaceted exploration of mathematical beauty, intertwining geometry, algebra, art, and cinema to provide visitors with a profound appreciation of the abstract world of mathematics. I know, because I went, which is where I bought this book.