The worlds of art, mathematics, and history collide in a fascinating new exhibition by Nelson Saiers, opening at The Canvas 3.0 in New York City. This former hedge fund manager turned artist, armed with a Ph.D. in mathematics, brings a unique perspective to the art world with his latest collection of 15 thought-provoking paintings.
Saiers’ work, created over the past four years, tackles an eclectic range of subjects from military history to pop culture phenomena like Game of Thrones and Wall Street. At the heart of each piece lies a complex interplay of mathematical concepts, often explicitly displayed, serving as metaphors or playful word associations that challenge viewers to see beyond the surface.
One of the exhibition’s standout pieces, “Stack,” exemplifies Saiers’ innovative approach. This installation cleverly references the works of abstract art pioneers Wassily Kandinsky and Donald Judd while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of representation. By filling Judd-inspired blue plexiglass boxes with hay, Saiers creates a literal “haystack,” nodding to Monet’s famous paintings. The addition of mathematical symbols further transforms the piece, blurring the lines between representational and abstract art.
History buffs and math enthusiasts alike will be drawn to Saiers’ series on the Hundred Years’ War and the War of the Roses. These works, including “What is Left 3” and “Check,” weave together historical narratives with complex mathematical concepts like sheaf cohomology and Cech cohomology. The result is a visually striking and intellectually stimulating exploration of tumultuous periods in English history.
Don’t miss this extraordinary fusion of art and mathematics. The exhibition opens with a reception on January 9th from 6-8 pm at The Canvas 3.0, located at 185 Greenwich Street inside the Oculus at the World Trade Center. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your mind expanded as you step into Nelson Saiers’ captivating world of visual equations and historical reflections.
