Consider a 3D function $latex z=f(x,y)$. Now evaluate it at each point of a $latex n times n$ integer lattice grid. Compute $latex z mod n$ corresponding to each point and plot it as a color defined by some palette that suits your aesthetic. The consequence is a what we term the “modulo rug”.
For example, below is a plot of $latex z=x^2+y^2$.
Figure 1: $latex z=x^2+y^2, n=318$
We get a pattern of circles around a central circular system reminiscent of ogdoadic arrangements in various Hindu maṇḍala-s. From the aesthetic viewpoint, the best modulo rugs are obtained with symmetric functions higher even powers — this translates into some pleasing symmetry in the ru. Several examples of such are shown below.
Figure 2: $latex z=x^4-x^2-y^2+y^4, n=318$
Figure 3: $latex z=x^4-x^2-y^2+y^4, n=315$
Figure 4: $latex z= x^6-x^4-y^4+y^6, n=309$
Figure 5: $latex z=x^6-x^2-y^2+y^6, n=318$
Figure 6: $latex z=x^4-x^2+y^2-y^4, n=310$
All the above $latex…
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