Saskia De Coster

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Saskia De Coster

Who is Saskia De Coster?

Saskia de Coster (b. 1976) is an artist and opinion maker. She is the author of a quirky and award-winning body of work, including the bestseller 'We and I' (2013) and the widely acclaimed 'Night Parents' (2019). In addition, De Coster stands out as a free-thinking opinion maker and versatile artist with an international outlook. She draws inspiration from artist residencies, from New York over Rome to Cape Town, and has collaborated with internationally renowned, Flemish artists such as Arne Quinze and Rinus van de Velde. From participating in De Slimste Mens to running a marathon, no challenge is beyond her. During the 2020 academic year, she was KULeuven's first writer-in-residence. In the 2023 performance 'the author is present', she had herself locked in a glass cage in the KMSKA museum for a month to finalise her novel 'Net Echt' (2023). Her work has been translated into 10 languages.

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    LGBTQ+ stories

    As a queer writer and opinion-maker, Saskia De Coster emphasises the importance of representation and sharing personal experiences. She reads excerpts from her work, including her novel 'Night Parents', which describes the challenges and joys of motherhood in a lesbian relationship and the struggle for acceptance. De Coster discusses the need to fight homophobia in Flanders and shares her experience of a successful court case against homophobia. She invites the audience to an open dialogue about gay rights and how literature can contribute to greater understanding and acceptance.

     

    The Author is Present

    In this keynote, Saskia De Coster shares her experience of the performance "The Author is Present", in which she locked herself in a glass cage in the KMSKA museum for a month. She discusses how this experience influenced her writing process and what she learned about isolation, observation and the human condition. De Coster reflects on how artists can honour old masters and place their work in a contemporary context, and how this performance bridged the gap between literature and the visual arts.

     

    Reading in a digital world: the future of literature

    In this keynote, Saskia De Coster explores the evolution of literature and whether it is still relevant in the digital age. She analyses how literature has adapted to changing media consumption patterns and the role of writers in contemporary society. De Coster emphasises that literature still plays a crucial role in fostering empathy, critical reflection and cultural identity. She will share her own experiences as a writer and give insights into how her creative process has evolved over the years.

     

    Pop culture redefined: The Influence of Pop Icons

    Saskia De Coster delves into the world of pop culture and examines the impact of contemporary pop icons such as Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. She discusses how these artists not only make music, but also influence social trends, redefine identity and self-expression, and act as role models for millions of fans worldwide. De Coster analyses their art forms and how they deal with issues of authenticity, gender and social responsibility.