| In July/August
2005, the IFF curated an exhibition of crocheted hyperbolic models
at Machine Project gallery in Los Angeles. On display were almost
50 models: hyperbolic planes large and small, a variety of pseudospheres,
a series of hyperbolic circular discs, and a full set of Dr. Daina
Taimina's pedagogical models, including a brand new pair of hyperbolic
trousers made especially for this show. Anchoring the exhibition,
in the middle of the gallery, was a plinth bearing a bright orange
behemoth made by IFF co-director Christine Wertheim - a project on
which she says she will be working the rest of her life. Gallery patrons
had the chance to fondle and play with a series of models provided
for hands-on exploration, and a supplementary folder of material provided
reading matter for those inclined to delve deeper. The exhibition
catalog was designed by Kimberly Varella and IFF director Margaret
Wertheim as a hyperbolic book. Patrons were invited to assemble their
own books at a table in the gallery or to take them away for homework.
On August 7th, Dr Taimina led a workshop on how to crochet your own
hyperbolic plane, and later that evening delivered a talk about her
work at the intersection of higher mathematics and feminine handicraft
before a packed audience. |
