Art / maths
APERIODIC: the festival celebrating maths and physics through an artistic lens
A two-week festival of the mathematics and science of ‘aperiodic order’ is set to launch in Bristol on July 1, with a programme of events in both academic and artistic venues.
Aperiodicity is the absence of repeated patterns, or, put simply, “things that almost repeat, but not quite”.
By exploring the idea through an artistic lens, APERIODIC intends to bring a new audience to maths and physics – aiming particularly at those for whom the subjects may represent an intimidating or overwhelming challenge.
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Kate Farley, 6-spot rotation, multi-direction, Lino print (detail) – photo: courtesy of the artist
Complementing the academic meeting of The Grimm Network – comprised of scientists and mathematicians interested in aperiodicity – there will be a series of public talks from members of the group into the aperiodic wonders that we encounter, and a number of artists will be exhibiting their work at a special exhibition at KIT FORM.
Rosie Bowery is the exhibition producer at the recently opened gallery beneath Jamaica Street Studios, and is delighted to be hosting the diversity of work created for APERIODIC. “It’s great to bring together different communities in Bristol and celebrate their connections,” she says.
“As a new creative space in the centre of Bristol, we have big ambitions for a programme that represents the diversity of what’s going on in this city.”
Giulia Ricci, Disorientation no.6. 2013, Archival oil-based ink on paper, hand-made unique print made with rubber stamps (detail) – photo: courtesy of the artist
The rich variety of work showcased in the exhibition will range from drawing and painting to audiovisual work, sculpture and live art – with Giulia Ricci, Les Bicknell, Andrew Bracey, Emma Laughton, Ameet Hindocha and Kate Farley among the participating artists.
Bristol creative robotics studio Air Giants will be displaying Sprout, a giant inflatable and interactive robot, and audiovisual artist and composer Liam Taylor-West will be sharing a new and interactive piece.
Elsewhere for APERIODIC, professional storyteller Wilfred Merttens will be bringing his art to bear on mathematics-inspired workshops and a live reading.
At Trinity Centre, Southwest Dance Theatre will showcase Anna Demming Davis, Silvia Orazzo, Sebastián Morales Castillo and Katarzyna Niznik performing Aperiodic – by way of ballet, breakdancing and Hofstadter’s butterfly.
Lucy Ward, Standing on the Carpet, Pencil drawing on paper (detail) – photo: courtesy of the artist
Organisers of the festival are Dr Felix Flicker and Dr Henna Koivusalo, senior lecturers in Physics and Mathematics respectively at the University of Bristol, Lucy Ward, senior lecturer in Fine Art at the University of the West of England (UWE), Charlotte Lighter, senior lecturer in Maths Education at the Open University, Beatrice Dominique Scarpa, programme coordinator at the Asian Arts Agency, and composer and audiovisual artist Liam Taylor-West.
“When us mathematicians think about Maths, we don’t just think about numbers and equations, we think about movement, patterns, even beauty,” reflects Koivusalo.
“Through artworks and performances we hope to display this side of Maths and encourage Bristol schoolchildren to think about applying to the university for Maths or Physics degrees.”
Local schools are encouraged to get in touch with APERIODIC organisers, who have funds to help bring interested schoolchildren to the festival.
Photo: The Grimm Network
APERIODIC runs from July 1-14 in multiple venues across Bristol. For further details and the full programme, visit The Grimm Network.
Main photo: Crossing Paths © Liam Taylor-West (audio digital artwork, detail)
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