Constructed Faces

Speaker: Nathan McClendon

Abstract: How do we truly see another person—and how much of what we see is constructed by the mind? This presentation explores the intersection of art, neuroscience, and the neuropsychological processes behind perception, focusing on how the brain constructs meaning from facial expressions and social cues. Drawing on concepts such as Theory of Mind, the session examines how we interpret emotion, intention, and identity—and where those interpretations can fall short.

Using examples of portrait art including Community Portraits, a video-based project centered on extended observation of the human face, McClendon demonstrates how slowing down perception can reveal the limits of our assumptions and deepen our understanding of others. 

About the speaker: Nate McClendon is the Outreach Specialist at the Beach Museum of Art. In this capacity he creates programs and events to enhance the experience of various artwork, exhibits, and the museum in general. Providing these programs for the KSU community, he has a specific focus on engaging the local and regional community.  

Nate has served 20 years in public education as a music teacher in both Las Vegas, Nevada, and Manhattan, Kansas. He has collaborated with Jazz at Lincoln Center, National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts, and the Grammy Foundation to promote various student-centered educational experiences and award programs. Additionally, he serves as a consultant and professional speaker in the areas of Social and Community well being and leadership. Nate also keeps an active schedule as a musician performing in the Kansas City based band 2Proud2Beg and the Thundering Cats Big Band