Jiangmei Wu is an associate professor of interior design in the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design on the Bloomington campus. She is an interdisciplinary scholar whose art and design projects integrate mathematics, science, and engineering. Recently, her work has focused on the interplay between geometry, surface texture, computational algorithms, and fabrication techniques in the art and science of paper folding. Her origami-inspired artworks, designs, and large-scale installations have been exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States, including the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and the Center for Craft. Internationally, her work has been shown in China, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Australia, and Thailand.
The connections between mathematics and art, architecture and design have long been evident since ancient times. Many artists—from renaissance masters such as Filippo Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, to contemporary figures such as Bill Max, M.C. Escher, Sol Lewitt, Eero Saarinen, Le Corbusier, and Anish Kapoor—have studied mathematics and integrated it into their creative work. Yet, despite this rich history, the term Mathematical Art—used here to broadly encompass works in art, architecture, and design in which mathematics is present in some manner—remains ambiguous and lacks recognition as a significant genre in the art and design world. This could be due to the general perception of mathematics as inaccessible. While art is often expected to be approachable for a broad audience, mathematics is perceived as abstract and exclusive. As such, recognizing that mathematics can be an important addition to the usual tools of artists might seem intimidating to the general audience, including the art and design community. Wu's project, Curating Mathematical Art, aims to redefine mathematical art and make its practice more accessible and influential within the art and design world at the national level. The project includes an international mathematical art exhibition at the National Museum of Mathematics, a prominent artist visit to the IUB campus, and other symposiums and talk engagements.
During her year as an IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellow, beyond curating and presenting the exhibition, Wu intends to develop a comprehensive catalog or book documenting the works, ideas, and processes showcased in the project. This publication will serve as a lasting resource for artists, designers, educators, and mathematicians interested in the intersection of mathematics and art.
Jiangmei Wu
