Client: Indiana University

Overview

The Calabi-Yau cross-section represents hidden dimensions of String-Theory. This 44″ diameter stainless steel shape embodies an accurate mathematical representation combined with an artistic interpretation of the complex equation z1^5 + z2^5 = 1, as designed and realized by the collaborative team of Professor Andrew J. Hanson and Sculptor Willam F. Duffy. Theoretical physicists working on string theory needed a shape that could both solve Einstein’s equations and be collapsed to a microsopic size to avoid interfering with the spacetime we live in, and they found that shape in the conjecture of E. Calabi that was proven to exist in prize-winning research by S.T. Yau. The slice through this high-dimensional 5th degree polynomial shape is criss-crossed by 5-fold pie-shaped pinwheels, 5-fold symmetries of all sorts, and five giant circles carved out of their native 4D mworld to make this 3D sculpture. Ideas from physics, mathematics, computer graphics, and ancient lost wax technology revived through modern 3D printing combine to realize this remarkable work of art.

Goals

The slice through this high-dimensional 5th degree polynomial shape is criss-crossed by 5-fold pie-shaped pinwheels, 5-fold symmetries of allsorts, and five giant circles carved out of their native 4D world to make this 3D sculpture.

Process

Designed and realized by the collaborative team of Professor Andrew J. Hanson and Sculptor Willam F. Duffy. Produced by ART Research Enterprises, Inc 2023