The Illustrator

Illustrator Maira Kalman analyzes her powers of observation with Columbia University psychologist Michael Morris.

About the Speakers

Maira Kalman is an author and illustrator who specializes in confusion and serendipity. She works for the New Yorker magazine, The New York Times and other periodicals. Traveling the world and reporting on what she sees has been a lifelong passion. She has written and illustrated over a dozen books for children including What Pete Ate and Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey. Her illustrated edition of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style became a mini opera composed by Nico Muhly. She is currently working with Stephin Merrit of the Magnetic Fields on a book about scrabble. She is represented by the Julie Saul Gallery and she lives in NYC.
Michael Morris is a Professor with the Psychology Department of Columbia University. As the Chavkin-Chang Professor of Leadership in the Management Division of Columbia Business School he teaches MBA and executive-level classes on negotiation, decision making and group dynamics. He designed and runs Columbia’s Program on Social Intelligence, which translates emerging research insights into new forms of leadership training. Outside of academia, his consulting and training work brings him into contact with many private and public sector leaders from around the world.

About Brainwave: Illusion

The Buddha said that everything is illusion. What did he mean by that? This sixth edition of Brainwave will enlist the aid of neuroscientists to help us understand how the perception of our world is shaped by the surprising adaptability of our brains. Brainwave includes talks, special film screenings followed by discussions, interactive workshops, and much more!
Learn More
Presenting Sponsor of Brainwave 2013