FIRST CIRCULAR

Symmetry: Art and Science

11th Congress and Exhibition of SIS

Special Theme:

Fusing: Symmetry and Katachi 形.

Osaka & Kobe, Japan

November 25 - 30, 2019

Main Theme

The SIS regular Congress-Festival Symmetry: Art and Science is devoted to the study of patterns in a sense of symmetry in sciences and the arts. These patterns pervade many fields of natural sciences and the humanities. SIS has a tradition of interesting and productive scientific meetings in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, attracting leading researchers and professionals in a variety of fields which exhibit the importance of such patterns.

The 11th SIS Congress-Festival Symmetry: Art and Science is devoted to the same circle of problems traditionally discussed in the triennial SIS meetings; however, this year we have an additional special topic, i.e.

Fusing: Symmetry and Katachi 形.

The Eastern concept, “Katachi 形” includes meanings of “form” , “shape” , “figure” , and “pattern” . “Katachi” is regarded as a compound word of “Kata” and “Chi”. “Kata” means originally a mold to produce same objects, hence it means also universal or common form. “Chi” means vital force and energy. That is, “Katachi” means visible form with essence of things. The Western concept “Symmetry” is regarded as a compound word of “Sym” (meaning "share" or "common") and “metry” (meaning "measure"). Therefore, “Katachi” and “Symmetry” correspond to each other. They may play similar roles of interdisciplinary ‘bridges’ between various fields of art and science in the corresponding cultural circles.