Symmetry Exploration

Initially inspired by the Moorish mosaics and carvings of the Alhambra, I started experimenting with the geometric tiling of organic shapes more than a decade ago. More recently, while looking for ways to avoid the square and predictable appearance of the typical repeat pattern, I learned of the seventeen ‘wallpaper groups’ that classify all possible symmetry combinations in two-dimensional repeat patterns.

To explore some of these symmetries, I developed my own tools that let me hand-draw ppg-, p3- and p2-symmetric patterns directly on the screen. (More symmetries will likely be explored... ) The resulting sketches can then be refined further using conventional graphics software.

Some patterns in this series are true tessellations – using one or more geometric shapes that fit together without overlaps or gaps. Others use looser shapes with many gaps and overlaps, while still adhering to the underlying symmetry. I call these looser patterns ‘Tessels’, or ‘Tessellines’ if only the lines are symmetric while the colours break the symmetry.