Helen Friel's paper sculptures of Euclid's Elements make maths charming

Here at It’s Nice That we hardly ever get to use the phrase “mathematical and geometric treatise” but hold on to your hats because paper sculptor Helen Friel has just given us the perfect opportunity to do just that. She has collaborated with Moo’s Luxe Project to create an extraordinary set of 3D versions of mathematician Oliver Byrne’s famous illustrations of Euclid’s Elements.

The famous treatise, written in 300 BC is described on Wikipedia as a “a collection of definitions, postulates (axioms), propositions (theorems and constructions), and mathematical proofs of the propositions” and while I have literally no idea what that means I am certain that Helen’s papery versions are absolutely immaculate. Rendered in paper these complex forms become something delicate, charming and fun, which are three words not often associated with high-end mathematics.

Oh and special mentions for the fact that Helen’s work is raising money for Battersea Dogs Home and the brilliant title Here’s Looking at Euclid. Pun-tastic!