Square Root of Two
Digital Print 2025This artwork depicts the digit 2 with a root system filling a square, reminiscent of botanical illustrations. The digits of the square root of two (1.414213...) are subtly formed in the negative space along the diagonal of the square, conveying the relationship between a unit square and the length of its diagonal.
Background and Inspiration
The square root of two was the first number that was proven to be irrational, much to the dismay of the Pythgoreans, who thought all numbers were either integers or fractions. Folklore accounts state Hippasus of Metapontum was drowned at sea for revealing this secret.Related Works
Exhibition History
- Exhibition of Mathematical Art, 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings Washington, DC, 4 January 2026 – 7 January 2026.
- Exhibition of Mathematical Art, Craft, and Design, Bridges 2025 Exhibition of Mathematical Art, Craft, and Design Washington, DC, 4 January 2026 – 7 January 2026.
Publication History
- Dan Bach,
2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings Exhibition of Mathematical Art, 2026. - Siobahn Roberts,
Every Artist Has a Favorite Subject. For Some, That’s Math, The New York Times, October 10, 2025. - Bruce Torrence and Robert Fathauer,
Bridges 2025 Exhibition Catalog, 2025.