“I don’t do math” is a photographic series referencing dyscalculia, a learning difference affecting a person’s ability to understand and manipulate number-based information.

Photography exhibition by Ann Piché

September 25 - October 15

D.G. Ivey Library

20 Willcocks Street

New College

University of Toronto

Opening: Thursday September 25, 5:00 pm

Tour: Saturday September 27, 2:00 pm (meet us at the Fields Institute, Atrium 2nd floor)

Panel Discussion: Monday, September 29, 4:00 pm

Ann Piché (independent artist)

Daniel Ansari (Department of Psychology and Education, Western University)

Darja Barr (Department of Mathematics, University of Winnipeg)

room 230, the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences

222 College Street, Toronto

This initiative seeks to raise awareness about the challenges posed by dyscalculia with educators, fellow mathematicians, and parents, and to normalize its existence, leading to early detection and augmented support. In addition, it seeks to reflect on and question broader issues and assumptions about the role and significance of Mathematics and Math education in today’s changing socio-cultural and economic contexts.

The exhibition will contain pedagogical information and activities for visitors and students. The artist will also address the extensive research that led to the exhibition. The exhibition will feature two panel discussions following the opening and to conclude the exhibition.

Photographer Ann Piché is using her artistic practice both to document the struggles experienced by people affected by dyscalculia, and to educate math educators, students, and parents about its effects and potential support strategies.The series consists of 15 photographs and 5 text-based panels, including work produced during fieldwork visits in Prof. Amenda Chow and Prof. Sarah Mayes-Tang’s Calculus and Symmetry classes; Prof. Pam Sargent’s business calculus class (all three professors are from the dept. of Math.); Prof. Ada Chan’s pre-calculus class (dept. of Math., York University); and Dr.Pamela Brittain’s K-12 and curriculum education program (Fields Institute).