Gibbons, Hennessy to discuss sabbatical research on Islamic tiling

Dr. Carol Gibbons and Dr. Jayme Hennessy will share insights and experiences from their sabbatical research in Morocco and Spain next week as part of the McKillop Library’s faculty lecture series. “Symbolization of Infinity: Intersections of Geometry and Religion” will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 in the library’s first-floor atrium.

Gibbons and Hennessy will discuss the beauty of Islamic tiling; explore the heritage of Islamic geometric design in mosques, madrasas, palaces and present-day workshops of the artists and artisans of the Naji family in Fez; and consider how these designs may open one to an experience of the infinite.

In 2015, Gibbons and Hennessy received the Antone Fund for Academic Excellence’s special projects award for their joint interest in the geometric patterns of Islamic tiling and their spiritual effect upon the viewer and maker.

Gibbons is a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. She holds a B.A. in mathematics from Merrimack College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Rhode Island. Hennessy is a professor in the Department of Religious and Theological Studies. She holds a B.M. in church music from Barrington College, an M.A. in religious studies from Providence College and an S.T.L. and S.T.D. in moral theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology.