MATHEMATICIANS ARE like secret artists – they seek out the inherent simplicity and beauty found in pure mathematics in the same way that artists seek to do in their own disciplines.
Some artists also become fascinated with mathematics and build numerical concepts into their work. Oxford University's professor of mathematics, Prof Marcus du Sautoy OBE, (pictured) will discuss these themes in a talk next month, titled The Secret Mathematicians. The presentation will explore how artists have used mathematical ideas in their creative process, says du Sautoy, the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science. He will cite writers, artists and musicians such as Borges, Dalí and Messiaen, all of whom incorporated mathematics into their work. This free public lecture takes place on Monday, October 11th at the RDS at 7pm.
It is an RDS /Irish Times/Maths Week Ireland initiative, and places must be booked. To do so, e-mail science@rds.ie or telephone 01-2407289.