Wed, 21 May 2025
17:30
Lecture Theatre 1

Blueprints: how mathematics shapes creativity - Marcus du Sautoy

Marcus du Sautoy
(University of Oxford)
Further Information

Many of the artists that we encounter are completely unaware of the mathematics that bubble beneath their craft, while some consciously use it for inspiration. Our instincts might tell us that these two subjects are incompatible forces with nothing in common, mathematics being the realm of precise logic and art being the realm of emotion and aesthetics. But what if we’re wrong?

Marcus du Sautoy unpacks how we make art, why a creative mindset is vital for discovering mathematics, and how a fundamental connection to the natural world intrinsically links the two subjects. 

Marcus du Sautoy is a mathematician, author and broadcaster. He is Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science in Oxford.

Please email @email to register to attend in person.

The lecture will be broadcast on the Oxford Mathematics YouTube Channel on Wednesday 11 June at 5-6pm and any time after (no need to register for the online version).

The Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures are generously supported by XTX Markets.

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Song of the Week: George Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue

The epitome of the Jazz Age, Rhapsody in Blue is almost the same age (1924) as the 'Art Deco' exhibition of 1925 (see poster above). Written for solo piano and jazz band, it was subsequently orchestrated into the form you hear most often today. It's long, but it'll take you in to the weekend on a cloud.

So kick off your shoes, grab The Great Gatsby from the shelf (also 100 years old) and party like it's 1925.

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Prelims Corner

AMaths on a window reminder that prelims corner is taking place next Monday at 11am in the South Mezzanine! Feel free to stop by and ask Mario any questions you may have relating to your study, problem sheets or student life in general.

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