Art Speaks Maths, Maths Speaks Art

TL;DR

This paper discusses an interdisciplinary approach where mathematical research is applied to arts and humanities, aiming to develop user-friendly tools for cultural heritage professionals through iterative collaboration.

Contribution

It introduces a collaborative framework for integrating mathematics into cultural heritage applications, emphasizing iterative communication with end users.

Findings

Mathematical tools can enhance art conservation and archaeology.

Iterative collaboration improves tool usability for cultural heritage professionals.

The approach fosters mutual understanding between mathematicians and art experts.

Abstract

Our interdisciplinary team Mathematics for Applications in Cultural Heritage (MACH) aims to use mathematical research for the benefit of the arts and humanities. Our ultimate goal is to create user-friendly software toolkits for artists, art conservators and archaeologists. In order for their underlying mathematical engines and functionality to be optimised for the needs of the end users, we pursue an iterative approach based on a continuous communication between the mathematicians and the cultural-heritage members of our team. Our paper illustrates how maths can speak art, but only if first art speaks maths.