Julia is the Solution
Digital Print 2022Julia Robinson rendered using 1919 X symbols.
Background and Inspiration
This work pays homage to Julia Robinson (1919–1985). Her work was a critical component in solving (negatively) Hilbert's tenth problem—seventy years after it was proposed. The image, based on a photograph, is made from 1919 stippled X's. The size, crossing angle, and arm dimensions of each X is related to the original photo’s brightness and local gradient. The use of the X symbol celebrates her work on Hilbert's tenth problem and the common use of the X symbol for an unknown variable.