Art: Ron Resch - on Sheena Murray

Art

Ron Resch

Ron Resch's work symbolises a nexus between art and mathematics, which is of universal significance. As the mathematical theory is applied, it transforms into archetypal patterns central to the largest and tiniest structures of the galaxy, if not the universe. Our expressions of these fundamental patterns are becoming increasingly complex. In fact, we humans love novel expressions of what is most natural to us and as a designer, this is my modus operandi. Although I work in a different area to Ron, I am inspired by the boldness, precision and elegance of his work and I admire the pioneering spirit with which he has embarked on this journey.

I don't think there's any words to describe why I chose Ron's work to exhibit within the launch of this website, except to say most humbly that I get it.

Ron Resch is a computer graphics pioneer, mathematician and origami innovator. His credits include patents for "self-supporting structural units" using tessellation techniques, as well as "geometric designs" (structures for spaceships) for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979).

Of the many pioneering projects Resch was involved in, the 1974 Vegreville Pysanka is one of the most spectacular. A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter Egg, decorated with intricate patterns that are often geometrical in nature. Using computer graphics techniques that were then cutting edge, Resch designed and built a giant pysanka sculpture using tiling techniques to create both structural integrity and geometric visuals.

Known also under the moniker "World's Largest Easter Egg", the Vegreville Pysanka is a wonder of mathematics. It is also considered the first-ever physical structure to be constructed entirely based on computer-aided geometry. Resch built it using principles he had pioneered in paper-folding experiments, techniques he also intended to be used for constructing larger structures.