Mathematician Ingrid Daubechies leads the innovative project "Mathemalchemy," a multimedia art installation dedicated to showcasing the beauty and creativity within mathematics, which can be experienced at multiple sites, including the upcoming event in Quebec in celebration of Pi Day.
Travelers Explore the Intersection of Math and Art with “Mathemalchemy”

Travelers Explore the Intersection of Math and Art with “Mathemalchemy”
The traveling installation “Mathemalchemy” blends mathematical concepts with artistic expression, captivating audiences across various locations.
Mathematics and art intersect in fascinating ways through a unique initiative called “Mathemalchemy,” which travels to different venues to engage audiences in the beauty of mathematical concepts. One of its key figures, Ingrid Daubechies, a distinguished mathematician from Duke University known for her playful approach to math, will be participating in a celebratory event coinciding with Pi Day — a day dedicated to acknowledging the significance of the mathematical constant pi.
Creating whimsical pi-shaped cookies — one savory and one sweet — Daubechies exemplifies her passion for merging mathematics with creativity. The pi-shaped cookie cutter she designed is an ingenious tool that, when used to cut cookies from a large sheet of dough, eliminates waste. These creative culinary expressions align with the festive spirit of Pi Day, which falls on March 14.
This year, in conjunction with International Day of Mathematics, Daubechies will travel to the University of Quebec in Montreal. She will provide engaging tours of the “Mathemalchemy” installation, allowing guests to marvel at its design and concept. The installation, a 360-degree immersive experience measuring 20 feet in length, 10 feet in width, and 9.5 feet in height, was developed in partnership with fiber sculptor Dominique Ehrmann and a dedicated team of 24 artists and mathematicians.
The roadshow commenced in 2022 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C., where it has since captivated audiences with its intricate interplay of mathematics and artistic narratives. Daubechies’s upcoming public talk, titled “Mathematics to the Rescue of Art Curators,” aims to explore the role of mathematics in enhancing the art curation process.
In a world that often perceives mathematics and art as two distinct disciplines, “Mathemalchemy” serves as a creative bridge, illustrating how these fields can harmonize to evoke joy, wonder, and a deeper understanding of the mathematical structures that underpin our universe.