Session 397: Embedding Personal Biography in Artistic Work

Artistic work may be an unannounced biography of its creator. The artist or author may narrate their personal story without direct declaration, hiding behind the narrative, characters, or scenes. In this session, we will ask: Can a work be a parallel autobiography? How does a part of the creator's life seep into the fabric of a text, painting, or film? And is every creative work, at its core, a hidden mirror reflecting the life of its maker? Perhaps we can reflect on this through the character of Don Quixote, and wonder: isn't there in the madness of this dreamy knight something reminiscent of the life of Miguel de Cervantes himself? Then we move to the cinema screen where Charlie Chaplin appears to us in the spotlight, and we catch glimpses of his life between his laughter and tears. Then we arrive at Birdman, and we ask whether the director is depicting his own anxiety and fear of decline. Even in The Sad Boy and the Owner, we cannot help but wonder: isn't the director's narration concealing his childhood and the pursuit of his memories? A journey of thought and art, in which we discover how biographies hide behind stories, and how art speaks about its creator even when claiming neutrality. Host: Raad Jaber Session fee: 20 riyals in cash or via stcpay Please arrive ten minutes before the session We look forward to seeing you