Iranian Studies Students’ Forum: Kafka’s Metamorphosis, and Beyond

As in Kafka, The Sister’s Metamorphosis continues as a dark comedy of manners. Greta is middle-aged now, and she and her husband have immigrated to America. “We chose not to have children,” she writes to her departed brother, “—for reasons I think you might guess why.” A series of images reveal how Gregor Samsa’s fate influenced his family, and of how each member suffered dire guilt and derangement. A final glance at Greta’s marriage suggests it is a happy one – she found her “suitable husband”. However, the last scene in their matrimonial bed presents an appropriately Kafkaesque ending. First Speaker: BANAFSHEH ERFANIAN Title: Kafka’s Metamorphosis – A Diasporic Inspiration Banafsheh Erfanian is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist. She has worked as illustrator, painter, muralist, arts educator and mentor. Her work has been exhibited in Iran, Italy, US, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, and Serbia. She has illustrated many books and has been in art jury panels in Iran, Canada, and USA. Second Speaker: BLAIR DRAWSON Title: A Sequel to Kafka’s Metamorphosis The Modern Question: What is a Human Being? During his career, Blair Drawson illustrated stories and articles for many of the major magazines in the US and Canada.He has produced several books for children, as well as works in animation and a recent graphic novel. He teaches a course in Book Illustration at OCAD University. Third Speaker: ANSON LIAW Title: Kafka’s Metamorphosis – Creating Storytelling Art is Discovering that Everything is Connected to Human Experiences Anson Liaw is an American-Canadian illustrator based in Richmond Hill. A graduate of OCAD University, his work explores social, political, and cultural themes. Featured in Lürzer’s Archive and Bloomsbury’s Illustration, he’s earned awards from top art organizations and worked with clients like Time and McDonald’s. He also teaches at OCAD, mentoring future artists.