Nov
05

“The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef”

“The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef”—National Museum of Natural History, through April 24, 2011

A sea of vibrant colors and fantastic structures, the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef evokes a sense of stewardship of their real-life counterparts through a whimsical and beautiful display.

Margaret and Christine Wertheim, co-founders of The Institute For Figuring, have created an exhibition that combines the mathematics of hyperbolic geometry with the delicateness of this traditionally women’s handicraft. “The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef” is a traveling exhibition that not only displays these artworks, but also incorporates an ever-growing social project—teaching others around the world how to crochet hyperbolically and make their own reefs.

(Urchins by Christine Wertheim and sea slug by Marianne Midelberg. Photo copyright The Institute For Figuring by Alyssa Gorelick.)

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Posted: 5 November 2010
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.