the idea of ​​the exhibition

Mathematics is often considered dry, abstract, and inaccessible—a discipline in which there seems to be nothing new left to discover. This perceived distance between science and society, however, is not a law of nature, but a cultural misunderstanding. The exhibition "Mathemaschen" aims to bridge precisely this gap. Fourteen scientists from around the world demonstrate that the first step toward engaging the public must come from within the mathematical community itself.

In the exhibited works, mathematical research merges with artistic expression. But the show goes beyond mere aesthetics: it poses the profound question of how much mathematics is shaped by our cultural context. Is mathematics calculated differently in Pakistan than in Germany? Or is it the same logic, simply interpreted differently?

To explore these questions, the exhibition opens up a personal space. An accompanying audio guide allows the 14 artists to speak for themselves, offering insights into their careers and their paths to mathematics. Each work is complemented by informative posters that illuminate the scientific background and demonstrate how mathematics is reflected in the cultural expressions of their respective home countries.

The artworks in this exhibition are a curated selection from a series of works created as part of an art project that has been running in collaboration with the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation since 2019. Each year, during the week of the Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF), a new exhibition is presented, consisting of works created by participating scientists on the topic of their research. In the four months leading up to the HLF, the participating scientists receive mentoring and brainstorming sessions in workshops to learn how to create scientific artworks. Learn more about this project here: click me!

the poster of the exhibition

The sphere

The Riemann-sphere

The 4-color theorem

The Banach-Tarski-paradox

Follow the link to the exhibition poster!