Envy

Can envy and jealousy lead to societal collapse? Comedian and deliverer of sharp political commentary Janeane Garofalo reflects on envy both in her realm as a performer and in the wider socio-political environment of our day. Dr Kevin Ochsner brings his research on emotion, self-control, and person perception to bear to the saying, “a divided house cannot stand.”

Ticket holders have the opportunity to join author and performer Kevin Townley for a gallery tour prior to the theater program at 6:00 PM or directly following the program at 8:30 PM. Tours are 35 minutes and will explore the permanent collection and the interactive Mandala Lab installation which inspired the Brainwave: Emotion talk series. The program will examine how both sacred and secular art can help us to unlock the wild wisdom of human emotion.

Please note that this event may be filmed or recorded.

About the speakers

Janeane Garofalo began her career as a stand-up comedian and became a cast member on The Ben Stiller Show, The Larry Sanders Show, and Saturday Night Live. She has appeared in more than 50 movies, with major roles in The Truth About Cats and Dogs, Wet Hot American Summer, Reality Bites, and Mystery Men. She has been a regular on television programs such as Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, 24, and Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce. Garofalo is an outspoken progressive activist. From March 2004 to July 2006, she hosted Air America Radio’s The Majority Report with Sam Seder.

Kevin Ochsner received his PhD from Harvard, postdoctoral training at Stanford, and is currently Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, where he directs the Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory. A co-founder of the Social and Affective Neuroscience Society, Kevin also is past president of the Society for Affective Science, author of more than 100 scientific articles, and editor of two books; he has received various awards for research and teaching, including the American Psychological Association’s New Investigator Award, the Cognitive Neuroscience Society’s Young Investigator Award, and Columbia University’s Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award. This is his second Brainwave appearance at the Rubin.

About Our Guide

Kevin Townley is a writer, filmmaker, actor, singer, and meditation instructor. His film and television work include appearances in My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Men in Black III, The Detour, and Law & Order. He has written extensively for the Waterwell theater company and for Rookie magazine. He has also led hundreds of art tours in museums across the country including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, and the Rubin Museum of Art. His first book, Look, Look, Look, Look Again: Buddhist Wisdom Reflected in 26 Artists is published by Lionheart Press and available at the Rubin Museum shop. (Members’ price: $27.39 incl. tax) www.kevintownley.nyc

Lead support for Brainwave is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Major support is provided by Gerry Ohrstrom with additional support provided by Cheryl Henson.

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