Course designed by Pippa Drew and Dorothy Wallace

Pattern: An interdisciplinary course in textile design and elementary group theory.

This course will focus on the interplay between the art of designing repeat patterns and the mathematics of analyzing those patterns in terms of their symmetries. The exercises the students will do in the class emphasize discovery through cooperative and individual work. This class is 50% a studio art class and, therefore, requires the production of designs in print media and paint. Sufficient time and instruction is provided for students to acquire the necessary skills in this area. No previous art classes are required.

Lesson 1 Ritual Geometry, the Mandala and its Symmetries A look at the Mandala as an art form Lesson 2 Mandala Symmetries, Group Elements, Lusona Color Theory Lesson 3 Groups and Groups Acting on Sets Block printing in class Lesson 4 Klimt and the Computer 20th Century artists who use symmetry to explore color theory I Lesson 5 Islam Islamic art Lesson 6 Penrose and Rice 20th Century artists who use symmetry to explore color theory II Lesson 7 Escher 1 Escher 2 Lesson 8 Hundertwasser & Griffeath Relationships between Pattern and Modern Painting

Brian P. Hoke: Cellular Automata and Art
Students' Works
Pattern Syllabus 1996

Pattern, Fall 2001

© Copyright 1996, Pippa Drew and Dorothy Wallace, Dartmouth College