Ethnomathematics: kolam, an ephemeral art form practised by women in southern India – Exhibition opening ceremony and public talk (18 March)

As part of the Edvance project – Digital Education Hub Higher Education, the Department of Mathematics “G. Peano” and the Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences have organised the photographic exhibition “Ethnomathematics: kolam, an ephemeral art of the women of southern India” (18–27 March 2026, Department of Mathematics “G. Peano”, Via Carlo Alberto 10) by Claudia Silva.

The exhibition is linked to the MOOC “Ethnomathematics: from socio-cultural practices to abstract thought” created by Anna Maria Fino, Marina Marchisio Conte, Mario Valenzano and Elena Scalambro.

Opening ceremony

The exhibition’s opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday 18 March 2026, in the Aula Magna of the “G. Peano” Department of Mathematics (Via Carlo Alberto, 10), at 9.15 am.

The ceremony will be attended by officials, the organisers and Claudia Silva, photographer, videographer, anthropologist and curator of the exhibition.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Friday 27 March, 9am to 1pm.
The exhibition is free and open to all.
For primary and secondary schools, there is a two-hour educational tour combining photography, culture and mathematics.
To book the educational tour for schools, please use the form below:

Booking educational tours

Public seminar: ‘Anthropology and Mathematics of Kolam’

On Thursday 26 March 2026 at 4.30 pm, there will be a public seminar led by Oscar Garcia-Prada and Claudia Silva, exploring the mathematics behind
the art of kolam. The seminar will take place in the Aula Magna of the “G. Peano” Department of Mathematics (Via Carlo Alberto, 10).

Scientific and Organising Committee
Anna Maria Fino, Marina Marchisio Conte, Mario Valenzano, Sofia Bovero, Sara Omegna, Elena Scalambro, Simone Stratta, Francesca Varesi

For further information: edvancedeh@unito.it