28th Annual Math Day to be visually engaging

Numbers, patterns, and mathematics will combine to create visually appealing images at The University of Findlay’s 28th Annual Math Day slated for Tuesday, March 24.
In the math world, the appropriate term for finding the best way to complete tasks is called “optimization.” When it veers into visual territory, it can become “opt art,” a style that uses lines, forms and space to create optical illusions.
Robert “Bob” Bosch, Ph.D., professor of mathematics at Oberlin College and an award-winning writer and artist, will be speaking about how he uses optimization to devise and refine methods for creating pictures, portraits and sculpture. He will provide an introduction on the topic at 10 a.m. in UF’s Alumni Memorial Union Multipurpose Room, and will discuss “Opt Art: Special Cases and New Directions” at 1 p.m. in the same location.
Bosch has had pieces commissioned by Colorado College, Western Washington University, Occidental College, Spelman College and the organizing committees of several academic conferences.
Bosch’s website at www.dominoartwork.com includes free downloadable plans for several of his domino mosaics.
The 10 a.m. session will include “opt art” applicability demonstrations and showcase other examples. The 1 p.m. session will feature edge-matched and map-colored mosaics, and a discussion about the direction of future research.

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