Intersections
A Public Art Exhibition
Rashmi Sunder-Raj
Rashmi Sunder-Raj is a Canadian mathematical artist whose work has been seen at Bridges and Joint Mathematics Meetings Conferences. She received a BSc(Hon) in Mathematics and Computer Science from Carleton University and an MMath in Pure Mathematics from the University of Waterloo in the 1990s. As far back as the 1980s, she was using computer graphics programs to experiment with geometric patterns, a process that she now continues using vector graphics apps on an iPad. Her work mainly involves the creation of digital images, but she has also interpreted some of her patterns in the physical world by means such as crochet, tatting and chain maille, occasionally even making use of materials as unusual as binding coils. (@HypercubicPeg on social media)
Works
Crocheted Squiggle
Physical crochet (thread and sequins)
14” x 14”
“Manipulation: Collage Re-examined” is a merged image of a group of rotationally-symmetric patterns created by digitally copying, reflecting and modifying physical “squiggles” made using crochet, tatting, or beading.
The crochet sample was used to create part of this image. It represents a squiggle made of groups of 2, 4, 6, …, 28, and 30 triangles, each having angles 84°-12°-84°. There is some overlap, but it can be bounded by a triangle which also contains a 12° angle. With reflections and rotations, 30 copies can fit together nicely. The base on which it is displayed depicts the geometry on which it is based.
An earlier version of “Manipulation: Collage” was used as the representative image for a submission to the 2023 Maple Conference Art Gallery. Clicking on the picture in that gallery leads to a writeup explaining the “Manipulation” patterns, a summary of the geometry involved, and how it could be programmed in Maple. The geometry is more fully described in the 2023 Bridges Conference paper “Physical Representations of Polygon, Wedge, and Arc Squiggles”, and its supplement.
Manipulation: Collage Re-examined
Digital print
12” x 12”
