The influence of perception
on the distribution of multiple symmetries in nature and art
Peter A. van der
Helm
Abstract. Much
is already known about single mirror symmetry, but multiple mirror
symmetry is still understood poorly. In particular, perceptually,
multiple symmetry does not seem to behave as suggested by the number of
symmetry axes alone. Here, theoretical ideas on single symmetry
perception and their extensions to multiple symmetry are discussed
alongside empirical findings on multiple symmetry perception. The
evidence suggests that, apart from the number of axes, also their
relative orientation is perceptually relevant. This, in turn, suggests
that perception is responsible for the preponderance of 3-fold and
5-fold symmetries in flowers as well as for their absence in decorative
art.
Peter
A. van der Helm 