Session 397: Embedding Personal Biography in Artistic Work

Artistic work may be an unofficial biography of its creator. The artist or author might narrate their personal story without direct declaration, hiding behind the plot, 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 creator's life? 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 stage lights, and we catch glimpses of his life between his laughter and tears. Then we arrive at Birdman, and we ask whether the director is portraying his own anxiety and fear of decline. Even in The Sad Boy and the Kite, we cannot help but wonder: isn't the director's narration concealing his childhood and the haunting 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 SAR in cash or via stcpay Please arrive 10 minutes before the session We look forward to seeing you