Oulipo is a French-based organization composed of mathematicians and writers that have dedicated themselves to developing the art of constrained writing. Oulipo is short for the French phrase “Ouvroir de littérature potentielle“, which roughly translates to “workshop of potential literature”. One of the group’s primary goals is to seek new mathematical structures and patterns for writers to employ in any manner they enjoy.
Daniel Levin Becker, the youngest member of the Oulipo and one of two American members, is one visiting speaker who will detail Oulipo’s transition from its foundation in the 1960s to its presence in the modern art community. The past fifty years have presented a great shift in artistic techniques, particularly since the development of digital art and increasing availability of computer-based algorithms. Becker’s discussion will be an ideological discussion about how mathematics and literature can be intertwined in beautiful and entertaining ways.
Event details:
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015
Time: 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Weitz Center for Creativity