Math Encounters - Seeing Symmetry: The Artful Mathematics of Wallpaper Patterns

Join mathematical artist Frank A. Farris for a visually stimulating session about symmetry. Taking a radical new approach to symmetry, Farris does not create patterns by repeating blocks — the usual "potato stamp” method — but rather teases patterns from mathematical objects called complex waveforms. Using any photograph as input, Farris' waves can create all kinds of fantastical patterns. It's fun to view the "before and after" effect as you look back and forth between photograph and wallpaper, but beware: you will leave this session seeing patterns everywhere you look!

Special introduction by mathematician Dan King, Sarah Lawrence College.

Math Encounters is a public presentation series celebrating the spectacular world of mathematics, presented by the Simons Foundation and the National Museum of Mathematics. For further information, call the National Museum of Mathematics at

[tessellatiaartilery]

What a wonderful talk by an engaging expert speaker. Thank you for letting us see this. The presentation gives a good handle on the 17 symmetry types. As someone making similar art I was fascinated to see the varied projects using mathematical knowledge far greater than mine!

[ufkumdenizaltunkapak]

Thank you for sharing! I had a trouble to understand the wallpaper groups. Now I dont have such trouble :)