Alongside EGMO there is more mathematics in Florence, in these April days. In particular three exhibitions have been organised as side events to EGMO.
The first one takes place in the same location as the competition. In the hall of the hotel you will find the panels of Women of Mathematics throughout Europe. This collection of photographic portraits (by Noel Tovia Matoff) accompanied by brief interviews (by Sylvie Paycha and Sara Azzali) introduces thirteen women mathematician from all over Europe. They are in different fields and at different career points, providing examples to young women entering the world of mathematics, encouraging them to follow their dreams, whereas the disproportion between men and women in the academical careers might daunt them.
The part of their interviews focusing on their lives helps also in conveying the idea of mathematics as a human pursuit, in particular to those outside of it.
This exhibition was first on display in Berlin in 2016 and has been touring Europe ever since. After EGMO it will be hosted in the Mathematical Institute “Ulisse Dini” of Università di Firenze.
The second and third exhibition are on display in the Accademia di Belle Arti, next door to the Galleria dell’Accademia, home of the David of Michelangelo. The first one, Numbers in Pink/Numeri in rosa gives an overview of more women in mathematical research and teaching, their results and the obstacles that stood in their way throughout history, from ancient days to the present.
The second one, Weapons of Mass Instruction. Games, puzzles, mathematical pastimes/Armi di istruzione di massa. Giochi, enigmi, passatempi matematici, tries to uncover some of the mathematics hiding inside many games, from best sellers, to less known ones, as well as from simple to more complex ones. A small collection of such games is on display, and through each one of them, visitors can take a peek of some related mathematical idea, from binary representation, to probability and topology.
The latter two have been created by “Il Giardino di Archimede” and will be open until April, 25th 2018.
