Embodying wild mathematical dynamics
These are dynamic systems that are neither deterministic, like the motion of a clock pendulum, nor statistically predictable, like a lottery draw. Recent research shows that many systems are so wild that they cannot be described by statistics.
Triptych
In mathematics, a dynamical system is a motion that repeats periodically forever. Mathematicians study such systems, and in particular the complexity of their behavior.
Here I present three very short films, based primarily on scientific simulations, which present theorems in dynamical systems involving complex behavior. These films can be viewed on their own, but are designed to be viewed on a loop alongside nearby brass sculptures which represent the key ideas of the proofs of these theorems.
numerical experiences
Interactive platforms allow visitors to experience the sensations of exploring wild dynamic systems. An exploration in an imaginary country as beautiful as it is mysterious.
A setup based on artisanal scientific software, producing real-time parallel calculations (GLSN), which researchers use for their own digital experiments.
Pierre Berger, 2025
Numerical simulations
The images in this slideshow were generated by a program exploring wild dynamical systems in real time, using a controller of the kind used in live performance. Its knobs and buttons give access to mathematical observables with deep significance in contemporary research.
For more details on the dynamics shown here, watch this lecture ↗.
Online simulation on a powerful computer
Installation
The spectator finds himself surrounded by a forest of autonomous aquatic slide organs, with wildly strange sounds.
The sound of the water slide organs is correlated to these mathematical trajectories, in a way that the more the statistic distributions of the projected trajectories are different the more the associated sounds are different and vice-versa.
A conversation between a wild (abstract) mathematical dynamics and a wild (real) music instrument takes place.
Click the Sound button in the top-right corner to listen.
Pierre Berger, 2025
Portraits of Hénon maps
“I want to have an intuitive understanding of mathematical phenomena. Sometimes, such pictures tell us unexpected structure suggesting a new theorem.”
— Shigehiro Ushiki
Simulations, 2017.
Panels
by Pierre Berger and Romain Dujardin, 2026
About
In my approach, I create media to catalyze sensations triggered by the encounter with mathematical universes. These universes are contemporary: they are not well understood, even by researchers. The artistic approach allows me to express the unspeakable part of these universes, their strange familiarities, and the disturbances they cause.
I enjoy proposing sensitive and unprecedented experiences in these universes; generating primary sensations from raw mathematics. To do this, I conduct research at the intersection of pure mathematics, numerical simulations, and art.
https://webusers.imj-prg.fr/~pierre.berger/ ↗With thanks to Pierre-Antoine Guihéneuf and Mario Hawat.
Blender development (nodes and add-ons), with Mario Hawat
With thanks to Jean-Baptiste Dumont
Emergence of wild differentiable dynamical systemsERC project Emergence · European Union funding · Grant no. 818737
Works can be presented individually, or brought together in exhibitions ranging from 50 to 250 m².
For available installations, technical requirements and adaptations to your venue, contact Pierre Berger.