Illustrating Mathematics

Illustrating Mathematics

Jun 27, 2016 - Jul 01, 2016
ICERM, Providence, RI

Research and outreach are normally thought to divide mathematics in two. This separation is, however, completely artificial; it is impossible to “find” a mathematical idea without explaining it. Exploration and exposition are two sides of the same coin. One striking example of this is the epochal work of William Thurston; often his theorems were accompanied by pictures, and computer programs, illustrating the underlying ideas.

The goal of this conference is to bring together mathematicians from a range of fields, and practitioners from the digital arts (animation, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC routing, virtual reality, computer games, etc). The attendees will share their expertise in mathematics and with the procedural tools used to illustrate mathematics. In addition to talks in the traditional style, we plan to hold several workshops to train attendees about a variety of digital media, in particular 3D printing.