The Noyes Museum of Art hosts an exhibition on art work based on Mathematics

Written by Julio Hamernik 

OCEANVILLE, N.J. – The exhibition “Form and Function: Mathematics and Beyond Contemporary Art” opens at The Noyes Museum of Art continues through January 7, 2007.  At its core, “Form and Function” applies mathematical concepts to visual art.  Numerical coordinates, the binary system, Pi and the Pythagorean Theorem are schematics upon which the paintings and installations are based.

Featured contemporary artists Sol LeWitt, John Sims, Mark Pomilio and Steve Gwom are all involved in creating work based on open cubic structures, diverse mathematical systems and digital processes.  LeWitt, the senior artist and mentor to the other three artists in this exhibit, is known for his innovative work in drawing.  His past work as a sculptor was based on open cubic structures, but recently he has experimented with computer generated systems to create colorful and beguiling work.

Gwom, Pomilio and Sims are following in the footsteps of LeWitt by creating paintings and installations based on diverse mathematical concepts and digital processes.  Through a conceptual process, Gwon uses numbers to denote time and space, turning their transient nature into a visual document.  These documents take the form of grids on graph paper in which he organizes numbers, circles, squares and lines to create rectangular or curved patterns.  In some instances, Gwon incorporates the color progression of the spectrum in his graphic time capsules.  Pomilio conveys conceptual relationships through mathematics.  His repetition of geometric forms derived from the binary system alludes to the proliferation of cells as theorized in life sciences.  Sims embraces the essence of mathematics and applies it within the context of visual art and symbolism.  For Sims, math serves as a tool to address issues, convey ideas and analyze the world around us.

Source: Art News paper