new media artist
Perelmania. Topology of Bagel
​
My art project "Perelmania. The Topology of Bagel" is dedicated to the prominent modern mathematician Grigori Perelman and to his discoveries in the field of geometric topology, including that of the torus ("bagel"). The torus is a fascinating geometrical shape whose characteristics can serve as the basis for a model that describes the laws of the universe. I am also fascinated by the figure of Perelman himself: a man who is utterly fixated on his life's work, mathematics, and who has steadfastly rejected all extraneous things, such as prestigious cash awards and career opportunities.
I have created all the images of this series on the basis of the single public domain photograph of Perelman that is freely available on the Internet. If we create a composition out of several 3D models of "bagels" (tori) and "wrap" them with a map consisting of tiled photographs of Grigori Perelman, we will then create a "Perelman topology" of sorts, where the photographs themselves may be altered beyond recognition by the mapping algorithm.
In my project, the mathematician and his discoveries are merged into one, turning into a symbol of the infinite multidimensionality of the world. On the road to coming to grips with this multidimensionality, some outstanding individuals – geniuses – become guides for the rest of humanity.
My interest in the area of mathematics to which Perelman has contributed is no accident. As an artist working in the field of digital art, including 3D modeling, I interact with the topology of objects, since it is this topology that determines their visual characteristics. I also make use of the mathematical algorithms embedded in the 3D computer graphic applications. I am delighted by the endless variety of their visual possibilities and by the unexpected results they produce. For this reason, I describe the modern computer reality as my coauthor, and define the art created by the two of us as "hybrid" – i.e., an art produced through a partnership between a human being and a computer.
Perelmania. Topology of Bagel. Concept
Perelmania. Interface of Infinity. Enlarged Fagment of the Surface
Perelmania. Topology of Bagel (1)
Perelmania. Topology of Bagel (2)
Perelmania. Topology of Bagel (3)
Perelmania. The Interface of Infinity
​
Two interlinked tori create a 3D geometric object in the form of the number 8 – i.e., the sign of infinity. In my Interface of infinity series, the “face” is the actual face of the prominent mathematician Grigori Perelman, who has made an immense contribution to the geometric analysis of this object. I have used the tiled photographs of Perelman as a mapping wrapped around the surface of a 3D model of the infinity sign. In my project, the mathematician and his discoveries are merged into one, turning into a symbol of the infinite multidimensionality of the world. On the road to coming to grips with this multidimensionality, some outstanding individuals – geniuses – become guides for the rest of humanity.
Perelmania. The Interface of Infinity (1)
Perelmania. The Interface of Infinity (2)
Perelmania. The Interface of Infinity (3)
​
December 21, 2023 – LASER TALKS CYLAND IN JERUSALEM: Topology beyond Representation: Using Generative 3D Modeling Algorithms as a Co-author of Artistic Expression
​
Moderated by: Daria Kesler
Humans and computers team up to create a "hybrid" art form in today's computer-driven world. The artist collaborates with the computer as a partner and a co-creator, exploring many visual ideas and unexpected results. By using computer modeling, artists can go beyond traditional artistic mediums and make invisible things visible. This provides us with an entry point to understand complex or intangible abstract ideas, bridging the gap between the conceptual and the perceptible.
EVENT INFO
When: 21.12.2023 / 8:00 pm / Jerusalem Time Zone IST (UTC+2)
Where: Online
​
For a new media artist, using computer 3D modeling tools, especially generative ones, is a complex process that involves both creative and technical aspects. Mathematical algorithms embedded in 3D modeling software allow us to manipulate shapes, textures, lighting, and more, turning abstract scientific or philosophical concepts into tangible representations. Through 3D modeling, an artist can go beyond traditional artistic mediums and translate the invisible into a visual form. This provides viewers with an entry point to understand complex or intangible abstract ideas, bridging the gap between the conceptual and the perceptible. By creating a metaphorical representation of the unseen and unimaginable, an artist can also evoke an emotional response to abstract scientific ideas.
Galina Bleikh has created the images of “Perelmania. Topology of Bagel” series on the basis of the single public domain photograph of Perelman that is freely available on the Internet (link is external). If we create a composition out of several 3D models of "bagels" (tori) and "wrap" them with a map consisting of tiled photographs of Grigori Perelman, we will then create a "Perelman topology" of sorts, where the photographs themselves may be altered beyond recognition by the mapping algorithm.
In this project, the mathematician and his discoveries are merged into one, turning into a symbol of the infinite multidimensionality of the world. The scientist turns into an observer, present at every point of the space he cognizes. On the road to coming to grips with this multidimensionality, some outstanding individuals – geniuses – become guides for the rest of humanity.
​
​
The Leonardo/ISAST LASERs are a program of international gatherings that bring artists, scientists, humanists and technologists together for informal presentations, performances and conversations with the wider public. The mission of the LASERs is to encourage contribution to the cultural environment of a region by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and opportunities for community building to over 50 cities around the world. To learn more about how our LASER Hosts and to visit a LASER near you please visit the website. @lasertalks