Wednesday 08 October 2025
A team of researchers has been exploring the intersection of mathematics and art, creating a unique project that brings together the creativity of artists and the precision of mathematicians.
The project, called ReShape, began by collecting geometric shapes created by the public. Participants used tablets to draw curves, shapes, and pixel-based compositions, limited only by their imagination. The resulting dataset was impressive, with over 20,000 drawings collected from various locations across Luxembourg and beyond.
But what’s truly fascinating is how the researchers used these drawings to create new music. Three composers were tasked with transforming the geometric data into musical compositions. Each composer took a different approach, using techniques such as sonification, where sounds are generated based on mathematical patterns, and averaging algorithms to blend together individual drawings.
The resulting music was then paired with visualizations that brought the geometric shapes to life. The compositions ranged from ambient soundscapes to more complex melodies, all reflecting the unique characteristics of the original drawings.
One of the most striking aspects of ReShape is how it challenges traditional notions of mathematics and art. By combining these two fields, the project shows that creativity can be found in unexpected places, even in the most abstract mathematical concepts.
The researchers also observed some intriguing cultural patterns in the geometric shapes created by participants from different backgrounds. For example, drawings from Dubai tended to have distinct characteristics compared to those from Luxembourg. This could be an indication of how our surroundings and cultural influences shape our creative expression.
ReShape has many implications for education and outreach. By making mathematics more accessible and engaging through art, the project could inspire a new generation of math enthusiasts. The researchers also hope to refine their approach, making it easier for others to replicate the process and explore its potential.
As ReShape continues to evolve, it’s clear that this project is not just about combining two fields, but about understanding how creativity works in general. By exploring the intersection of art and mathematics, we may uncover new insights into human cognition and behavior.
The beauty of ReShape lies in its ability to make complex mathematical concepts more relatable and enjoyable for a broader audience. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between artists and mathematicians, and a reminder that creativity can be found in the most unexpected places.
Cite this article: “ReShape: Where Math Meets Art”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Mathematics, Art, Reshape, Geometry, Music, Sonification, Algorithms, Visualization, Creativity, Collaboration
Reference: Hugo Parlier, Bruno Teheux, “ReShape: a Collaborative Art Experience” (2025).
