9. Catenary, noun. In mathematics, the name for the arc that is formed by suspending both ends of a perfectly flexible, inextensible wire, cable, or rope of uniform density, and allowing it to hang freely. From Latin catena, “chain” or “fetter;” an ideal shape, expressed in the graph of the hyperbolic cosine function. Catenary, adjective. Relating to or having the form of such a curve. The ropes and chains that keep us in or out, that carve the world into the parts we’re meant to be in and the ones we’re not—these all share the same shape. But so do bridges over waterfalls, the threads of spider webs, and bodies as they fly from one trapeze bar to another. *This image shows a piece of work by collage artist Hollie Chastain: a recent and beloved gift.

Jan 9 -

9. Catenary, noun. In mathematics, the name for the arc that is formed by suspending both ends of a perfectly flexible, inextensible wire, cable, or rope of uniform density, and allowing it to hang freely. From Latin catena, “chain” or “fetter;” an ideal shape, expressed in the graph of the hyperbolic cosine function. Catenary, adjective. Relating to or having the form of such a curve.


The ropes and chains that keep us in or out, that carve the world into the parts we’re meant to be in and the ones we’re not—these all share the same shape. But so do bridges over waterfalls, the threads of spider webs, and bodies as they fly from one trapeze bar to another.


*This image shows a piece of work by collage artist Hollie Chastain: a recent and beloved gift.

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