Shapes, an exhibition co-produced by the Department of Mathematics (DMATH) and EPFL Pavilions, opened on January 16 in Lausanne. The exhibition blends art, science, and mathematics to explore the fascinating and complex world of geometric patterns.
Featuring work from both contemporary artists and prominent mathematicians, Shapes offers a unique opportunity to experience the profound connections between geometric theory and artistic expression. Among the artists featured, Professors Bruno Teheux and Hugo Parlier have contributed three thought-provoking and interactive pieces.
© Alain Herzog
Supporting cultural and scientific collaboration
The inauguration of Shapes drew prominent figures from Luxembourg and beyond. Anouk Wies, cultural delegate for the rectorate, Giovanni Peccati, Head of DMATH, Françoise Poos, Artistic and Scientific Director of Elektron, and Marc Bichler, Luxembourgish ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, represented Luxembourg’s cultural delegation. Their presence highlighted the international importance of the exhibition and Luxembourg’s commitment to supporting cultural and scientific collaboration.
Geometry in motion: where mathematics meets art
Among the ten pieces in the exhibition, Professors Hugo Parlier and Bruno Teheux present three central works that explore geometric forms. Their creations invite visitors to engage, discover, and experience firsthand how mathematical concepts can be transformed into dynamic visual art.
Cyclicity
One of the featured works, Cyclicity, is an interactive installation turning simple cyclic patterns into dynamic artwork. Visitors trace closed paths on a hexagonal grid, mapped on a torus. This creates a visual echo across time and space, combining mathematical periodicity with unpredictable behavior.
‟ The result is a continuous flow of color that retracts and reappears in rhythmic waves.”
Shifting Squares
Shifting Squares takes inspiration from the Quadratis puzzle. “Here, visitors explore networks of patterns by sliding squares across a grid,” says Hugo. “The goal isn’t to solve a puzzle, but to tap into creativity through movement. Each shift generates new, ever-changing arrays of colors and patterns, offering endless possibilities.” In the end, there are no fixed solutions—only an open invitation for experimentation and interaction with mathematical concepts like moduli spaces.
Life lines
Finally, Life lines underscores the connection between mathematics and art as expressions of human creativity. This piece invites viewers to contribute to a shared, evolving canvas. Every action, whether artistic or mathematical, becomes part of a collective creation. Inspired by the idea that “everyone is an artist,” the work highlights the collaborative nature of creativity, emphasizing the bond between individual actions and the collective experience.
‟ Prof. Hugo Parlier’s contemporary vision, together with Prof. Bruno Teheux, of the art-science encounter and of an engaging and creative mediation around mathematic issues was an invaluable asset to the success of this exhibition.”
Museographer and producer of exhibitions
Patterns in science and art
Shapes offers visitors a rare glimpse into the hidden beauty of repetitive patterns found in both art and science. The exhibition delves into the scientific structures of bacteria, crystals, and spheres, exploring the dynamic forms that emerge in nature. These patterns are not only visually captivating, but also closely tied to scientific research. They provide insight into how mathematical structures shape the world around us. From the microscopic to the cosmic, Shapes reveals how geometry governs the natural world and simultaneously inspires the creation of art.
Visit the exhibition until 07 March, 2025. Learn more here.