Math Department Seminar
3:00 in Bronson Hall 404
Tuesday, November 25th, 1997
by
Dr. Rick Mabry
Mathematica
and some patterns of
M.C. Escher
The graphic artist M.C. Escher (1898-1972) never claimed to be a
mathematician,
but the many symmetries and patterns in Escher's work have inspired
mathematicians for decades.
We will examine just one type of pattern, which Escher created during the
years 1938 - 1945. It is, like much of Escher’s art, both simple and
complex.
We will discuss how Mathematica can be programmed to do the complex
part (and wonder if Escher would have approved).
To see some other colored tilings made with the small "motif" (above,
leftmost), click on any of the following. Notice the grids shown in the
lower lefthand corner of the images. They show the motif and its various
rotations and flips that create the pattern when repeated.
Here are some other tilings with different motifs.
For more details, see the paper by
Mabry, Wagon and Schattschneider.
