Week 6 Reflections

Fenyvesi, K. (2016). Bridges: A world community for mathematical art. The Mathematical Intelligencer, 38(2), 35-45.

                                

Summary

The Bridges conference aims to build a two-way bridge between art and mathematics. In 2005, they held a conference in Banff that relied on scientific and artistic cooperation. The goal of the conference was to promote the interaction between mathematics and the arts, and due to its unique traits, it was also titled the 'Renaissance Banff'.

The program is open to all community members, including adults, children, artists, university professors, art lovers, and local residents. The contents included an international mathematical art exhibit, a mathematical music night, and a math art workshop series developed for teachers by teachers. Beyond providing professional support, it encourages mathematics teachers to use creative, artistic tools and processes to convey mathematical knowledge, and art teachers to reveal the mathematics involved in certain artworks or artistic processes.

The Bridges Organization provides an interdisciplinary and intercultural platform for the STEAM movement. At the Bridges conference, artists expand their horizons by exploring the achievements of modern science, while scientists gain new perspectives on their own results. Furthermore, Bridges extends its efforts to schools and various groups that influence scientific and artistic communities worldwide, fostering inspiration, influence, and collaboration between artists and mathematicians. Bridges is increasingly positioning itself as a public face for mathematics, making it more accessible to the general public.

Stops

“...everything is in constant flux and everything is only temporary” (p. 40)

When I saw the sentence, I thought for a while. Concepts like this often arise in literature, philosophy, social studies, or certain scientific domains, but they are seldom considered as 'temporary' in mathematics.  From my understanding, math is a realm characterized by a sense of dependability and linear thinking. Therefore, in the realm of mathematics, deductive reasoning invariably leads to consistent conclusions. (Or perhaps this is simply a quote from mathematical artworks that imbues a more philosophical perspective?)

“…as changes in the world bring about unseen alterations in the structure of knowledge, any form of research, learning, or creativity capable of heightening awareness toward interlocking systems possesses untold value.” (p. 44)

The rapid evolution of knowledge structures is particularly significant in this era, especially for me as a Millennial. I have witnessed the profound impact of digital globalization. Throughout my academic journey, spanning from my undergraduate studies to my first master's degree and now my second graduate program, I have consistently pursued an interdisciplinary approach. Undoubtedly, I have often felt uncertain and skeptical about my learning process, sometimes questioning whether I possess any distinct specialty in academics. However, I have chosen to trust that everything I have learned will prove valuable in the future. When the right moment and opportunity arise, I believe I will feel fortunate and not regret the decisions I have made.

Question

Do you think mathematics is in constant flux and temporary?