In brief
"Mathemalchemy," a traveling art installation led by mathematician Ingrid Daubechies, merges math and creativity, offering a unique multimedia experience that captivates audiences nationwide.
Ingrid Daubechies, a renowned mathematician from Duke University, has garnered attention not just for her mathematical expertise but also for her culinary creativity, particularly in innovative cookie designs. This past summer, she crafted a cookie cutter shaped like the mathematical constant pi—designed to cut cookies from a single sheet of dough without leaving any scraps. "Baking a savory version of pi-shaped cookies, featuring Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh herbs, is a joy," she shares.As the annual Pi Day approaches on March 14—which also marks the International Day of Mathematics—Dr. Daubechies is gearing up for a special celebration at the University of Quebec in Montreal. She is set to lead tours of her passion project, "Mathemalchemy," a traveling exhibition that beautifully marries mathematics with artistic expression. Attendees will also have the chance to hear her insightful talk titled “Mathematics to the Rescue of Art Curators.”"Mathemalchemy" is a stunning 360-degree exhibition that measures 20 feet in length, 10 feet in width, and stands 9.5 feet tall. With the collaboration of fiber sculptor Dominique Ehrmann and a talented team of 24 artistic mathematicians, the installation debuted in 2022 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Since then, it has traversed various locations, showcasing the captivating intersection of these two disciplines that has intrigued viewers for years.
