The San Mateo County Astronomical Society will forgo its usual general meeting and presentation for the month of April to support a special event at the College of San Mateo Friday, April 18. The event, “Art, Science & Visual Metaphors,” will be held at the CSM Theatre (Building 3) on the College of San Mateo’s campus, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo. The presentation will take place from 7:30pm to 10pm. Admission is free and the insights you will gain are invaluable.
This event is part of Professor Mohsen Janatpour’s esteemed series of annual presentations, now in its 36th year. It is presented by the CSM’s Associated Students and the Math/Science Division. The evening promises to be an illuminating exploration of the interplay between art, science, and the use of visual metaphors.
Art, science and visual metaphors are three seemingly disparate fields that converge in fascinating ways. Art, as defined by art philosopher Susanne Langer, is “the creation of forms symbolic of human feeling.” Art allows us to express and communicate the depths of human emotion and experience through symbolic representations. Science, on the other hand, is defined by the Science Council as “the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systemic methodology based on evidence.” Science seeks to uncover truths about our universe through empirical evidence and rigorous methodologies. Visual metaphors serve as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible. They enable us to understand abstract concepts by relating them to familiar, perceptible ideas. By creating a visual representation of an abstract concept, metaphors help us grasp complex ideas that our senses alone can’t access.
During this year’s Art & Science Presentation, the connections among these three concepts will be examined, offering attendees a deeper understanding of how they interrelate and enhance our comprehension of the world around us. It promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful exploration into the realms of art and science. Professor Mohsen Janatpour, a respected individual in the field, will lead the presentation, drawing on his extensive knowledge and passion for the subject.
The evening’s schedule will include:
- A comprehensive presentation by Professor Janatpour, delving into the connections between art, science, and visual metaphors.
- Engaging discussions on how visual metaphors can be used to convey complex scientific concepts.
- Illustrative examples from various art forms that symbolize scientific phenomena and principles.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to join the organizers for refreshments in the Theatre lobby. This will provide an opportunity to engage in further discussions, network with fellow attendees and share insights gained from the presentation. If weather conditions permit, the evening will culminate with an outdoor stargazing session. Telescopes will be set up in front of the Theatre, by members of the Society and CSM’s Astronomy Department. This activity will allow attendees to gaze upon the night sky and appreciate the wonders of the universe, bringing the event’s themes full circle. For more information about the event, please call (650) 574-6272 or email [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you there!