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Mathematical ImageryMathematicians and artists create strong, stunning, works in all media and explore the visualization of mathematics

 

Hyperbolic Crochet :: Daina Taimina

Inspired by William Thurston's paper creations back in the 1960s, I thought if something can be made out of paper, it can also be crocheted, so I made my first crocheted hyperbolic planes in June 1997 by increasing stitches in constant ratio---after every two stitches I did an increase by one stitch. The number of stitches in each row grew exponentially, so after finishing my first small, very ruffled one I realized that to explore the hyperbolic plane I have to change the ratio of increase. For classroom use the best is to use the ratio 12:13---it means to increase one stitch after every 12 single crochet stitches. See more crochet examples on my blog, Daina Taimina Fiber Sculptures.
— Daina Taimina (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY)

 
Seven Shades

 

Autumn-Thanksgiving

 

Manifold in tree

 

Manifold 5

 

Manifold 2

 

Land and Sea

 

These works below were created for the "Hyperbolic Planes and Sustainability Networks" exhibit, part of the Riga 2014 – European Cultural Capital celebration.

Fuzzy Hyperbolic

Mixed fiber, approximately 60 x 60 x 40 cm. For more information see "Exhibition 'Hyperbolic Planes and Sustainability Networks' Opens.".

Blue

Acrylic, 35 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm. For more information see "Exhibition 'Hyperbolic Planes and Sustainability Networks' Opens."

Cloud

Crochet installation, 2014. For more information see "Exhibition 'Hyperbolic Planes and Sustainability Networks' Opens.".