Exploring the Intersection of Math and Art with Mathemalchemy

"Mathemalchemy," a vibrant math-art installation driven by the passion of mathematician Ingrid Daubechies, opens new avenues of exploring creativity through mathematics. This innovative exhibition continues to inspire audiences as it travels, with its next stop in Montreal.

Ingrid Daubechies, a distinguished mathematician affiliated with Duke University, has merged her two passions—math and culinary art—by creating unique cookie shapes exemplifying mathematical concepts. Notably, she has designed a pi-shaped cookie cutter that efficiently utilizes dough, reducing waste typical in traditional cookie cutting.

As Pi Day approaches on March 14, Daubechies not only plans to showcase her pi cookies, savory versions made with Parmigiano-Reggiano and herbs, but also to highlight her dedication to "Mathemalchemy," a multimedia installation that captures the symbiosis between math and artistic expression.

This year, Daubechies will present her work at the University of Quebec in Montreal, offering guided tours of the immersive installation. The exhibition, described as a 360-degree diorama of considerable scale, stands 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and nearly 10 feet tall. It represents a collaborative effort with fiber sculptor Dominique Ehrmann, along with 24 mathematicians and artists over the past five years. This initiative debuted in 2022 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., and has since traveled to various locations, generating excitement about the thematic connections of math, art, and creativity.

Daubechies is enthused to present her insights in a public talk titled "Mathematics to the Rescue of Art Curators," revealing the practical applications of mathematics in art curation and beyond, further bridging the gap between these two disciplines. The event aims to foster a new appreciation for the inherent beauty found in mathematical principles and their application in everyday life and creative pursuits.