Epigraph for non physical entities spirits that exist outside material cultures

Numbers are the underlying substance of reality: technical or biological, physical or theoretical. Prime numbers – the limitless atoms of the mathematical world – are only divisible by themselves and one. Today, they are fundamental to computer science in its many different forms: hashing, cryptography, finding patterns or searching out prime factors in large numbers. Not to mention other mathematical operations such as electronic bank transfers, online purchases and so on. Throughout the ages, mathematicians such as Euclid, Eratosthenes, Sundaram, Atkin and others have developed general prime generator algorithms, known as “sieves”. Contemporary mathematician Harald Helfgott was able to modify Eratosthenes’ sieve - a mathematical sieve that helps people filter out prime numbers developed by the Greek mathematician and astronomer back in around 240 BC - to work with less physical memory space in computing (RAM), and so reduce the execution time of programs designed to make calculations.

The marble epigraph honours what has become a key element of contemporary civilization: computing. Improved algorithms are not only creating new AI structures and generations, but taking over an anthropocentric culture as we have known it. A great shift is taking place. New codes, new conducts in society, new habits, customs, economical systems, educational processes, entertainment. Algorithms are shaping new templates of knowledge, beliefs, art, culture, science. Of this there is no doubt.

Artwork title: Epigraph for non physical entities spirits that exist outside material cultures

Artist: Katerina Kana

Year: 2020

Location: On display at Pedion tou Areos

Medium: marble sculpture

Glossary: algorithm, hashing, cryptography, general prime generator algorithm