Sacred Geometry and Secular Science
July 28–October 28, 2012
Throughout history, humankind has sought to understand the structure of reality in simple geometric and numerical terms, thus investing mathematics with special meaning and explanatory power. This exhibition presents an international selection of medieval, Renaissance, and modern artists who have used geometry and numbers to express their understanding of reality. The question of how humankind knows the ultimate mathematical structure of reality is explored through examples of traditional theology and philosophy which establish a link between mathematics and mysticism, and modern secular, scientific thought with intuition—dual mindsets which are expressed by these artists. Sacred Geometry and Secular Science is curated by Lynn Gamwell, PhD.
Madonna and Child with Cherubs, ca. 1650, Giovanni Battista Salvi (Sassoferrato), Italian, oil on canvas, Martin D’Arcy Collection, Loyola University Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kowar, 1980-82; Mysteries: Agate, 2002, Kenneth Noland (1924–2010), American, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 48 in. (121.92 x 121.92 cm), Courtesy of the Paige Noland Trust
