Castellani Art Museum presents 'Beyond Numbers: Mathematical Patterns, Shapes, and Flow'

Explore fusion of art & math with works by Charles E. Burchfield, Frank Stella, Alexander Calder

Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University Press Release

This holiday season, Castellani Art Museum invites guests to experience “Beyond Numbers: Mathematical Patterns, Shapes, and Flow,” a captivating exhibition that explores the profound connection between art and mathematics. Curated by Niagara University students from Dr. Maritza M. Branker’s foundations of mathematics (MAT 227) and senior mathematics seminar (MAT 499) classes, the exhibition will open with a public reception on Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m., and will remain on view through March 30, 2025.

Featuring selections from the museum’s permanent collection, including works by renowned artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Charles Ephraim Burchfield, Frank Stella, Alexander Calder, Ellsworth Kelly and Sol LeWitt, “Beyond Numbers” reveals the beauty, creativity and wonder embedded in mathematical principles. Often seen as abstract or intimidating, math is reimagined here as a source of inspiration, artistry and discovery.

Through the lens of student curators, “Beyond Numbers” bridges the perceived gap between mathematics’ logical rigor and art’s free-flowing creativity. By showcasing the aesthetic and structural parallels between these fields, the exhibition invites visitors to rethink math as a creative force that shapes how people understand and interpret the world.

“Art and mathematics are both necessary for human flourishing,” Branker said. “They satisfy our desire for play, exploration and beauty. Mathematical concepts have greatly influenced how we view, create and value art, while mathematicians often describe their work with notions of beauty, simplicity and order.”

The student curators drew inspiration from readings in their coursework, including “Letters to a Young Mathematician” by Ian Stewart and “Mathematics for Human Flourishing” by Francis Su. These books explore how mathematical thinking enriches daily life and helps people see the world through a lens of beauty and meaning. The students’ work reflects these themes, offering a fresh and accessible perspective on math’s role in art.

“In ‘Beyond Numbers,’ the artworks showcase the profound connection between mathematics and art, each revealing the hidden beauty of mathematical principles in creative expression,” explain the student curators. “Jensen’s ‘Family Portrait’ transforms fractals into vibrant designs, illustrating self-similar patterns across scales. Hepworth’s ‘Four Hemispheres’ explores topology with striking clarity and layered precision. Balla’s ‘NU00405’ invites a closer look at symmetry, encouraging viewers to uncover hidden patterns through careful observation. Surls’ intricate spiral of wooden feathers evokes inspiration from nature and cultural celebration, creating a harmonious celebration of form and geometry. Together, these pieces redefine how we experience math through the lens of art.”

“Beyond Numbers” is a testament to the dedication and creativity of student curators, including Patrick Balcacer, Ella DiFlavio, Morgan Fitzpatrick, Jeffrey Koch, Madison LaPenta, Maia MacLean, Madison Manzella, Allison Mariglia, Michael Mayer, Julie Myers, Soley Peart, Madelynn Zilka, Paige Bronson, Malarie Carroll, Dominic Ciraolo, Kristen Coghlan, Anna Esposito, Alana Hall, Samantha Hare, Justiss Kovack, Thomas Latimer, Adrian Martinez, Kyle Mullin, Nicole Peunic, Matthew Ponce, Gavin Rice, Gabriela Vaquero, Dean Walck and Jeremy Waters. Under the guidance of Branker and Michael Beam, their insights provide a fresh and engaging perspective on the interplay between art and mathematics.

For more information, visit the Castellani Art Museum website at www.castellaniartmuseum.org.

This exhibition has been made possible in part through the support of the New York State Council on the Arts, with additional backing from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.