HolyMath

Holymath is a generative art collection that explores the sacred relationship between mathematics and visual expression. Drawing inspiration from the geometric traditions of Middle Eastern art during the Islamic Golden Age, the project pays homage to historical mathematicians such as Al-Khwarizmi and Omar Khayyam—pioneers in algebra and geometry whose work laid the groundwork for algorithmic design and modern generative systems.

Using custom-built algorithms, Holymath generates intricate patterns based on classical mathematical principles, especially tessellations that embody symmetry, repetition, and complexity. The patterns, while echoing the elegance of Islamic geometry, are never identical—each output is a unique synthesis of modular geometries, layered symmetries, hand-picked color palettes, and textural effects including watercolor and papyrus overlays.

The technical framework behind Holymath utilizes modular geometry and vector-based calculations with the p5.js library. It employs parametric controls such as deltaWidth, angle, and symmetry types to create variations across a wide array of grid systems. Each generated piece includes layered visual elements like draft lines and measurement notes, offering not only a complete visual artifact but also a glimpse into the underlying logic of its creation.

Holymath is a celebration of structured imperfection—a reflection of how nature’s own rules give rise to complexity and beauty. It presents an experience that is as educational as it is aesthetic, inviting viewers to engage with the mathematical traditions of the past through a contemporary, digital lens.

Artist Commentary: "My fascination with patterns began in childhood, drawing intricate designs in my notebooks. I saw beauty not just in their visual appeal but in their underlying symmetry and order, hinting at a deeper, universal language. My interest led me to observe nature, finding similar intricate designs in flower petals, shell spirals, and tree branches. I saw balance in the chaotic formations of volcanoes and river deltas, revealing nature’s simple rules generating complex outcomes."

— Orkhan Mammadov