NMU’s Maths-Art competition a f irst
THE overwhelming response to an innovative concept aimed at using art to show the beauty of maths through the recently held inaugural Maths-Art Competition, will see the initiative expand nationally next year.
A large collection of 113 maths-inspired artworks from 36 high schools across the province are on display at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Gallery until tomorrow.
NMU’s Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre launched its Maths-Art Competition in March, with the aim to ignite interest in the perceived mundane maths module.
At the time, centre director Professor Werner Olivier said a declining interest in mathematics among high school pupils, particularly in poorer areas, had prompted the competition idea.
Olivier said the competition focused on the international education trend called Steam – the acronym for science, technology, engineering, art and maths.
“Steam is a more modern approach to maths, where pupils are encouraged to explore the links between maths and the arts. A lot of entrants linked their creation to nature,” Olivier said.
He said there had been tremendous innovation and creativity in the connections the pupils portrayed.
“These connections were also indicative of the social consciousness of young people today. Some of the artworks depicted their socio- economic circumstances, while others made political connections.”
Mia Brettell, of East London’s Grens High School, who created a human face entirely out of mathematical shapes said: “Mathematics is all around us, whether we are aware of it or not.”
The centre’s competition coordinator, Carine Steyn, said the winners would be selected based on criteria including mathematical concept, level of experimentation and use of mathematics.
“The artworks will be judged on the creativity [demonstrated] to link maths and art. Our first Math-Art Competition has been a great success – and has certainly generated an excitement for maths and Steam education among pupils and teachers in this province,” Steyn said.
“We are looking forward to expanding this project to all of South Africa next year.”
The winners will be announced on May 25 at a prize-giving at the gallery, which will also form part of the centre’s GeoGebra conference, which is promoting Steam activities to popularise the study of maths. Prizes include art supplies and tablets.