{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafikra.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fmazen-kerbaj-4DOEyqVy","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Mazen Kerbaj | Gaza in my Phone","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/1ce0a58c-3e05-4d4b-a2e7-f3ffb869b215/29decdd8-9ed2-413f-87ee-5362994ea4a1/the_afikra_podcast.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/34eb5c86-9b83-4a19-8e85-c72fa97e7da3\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Mazen Kerbaj | Gaza in my Phone\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"Considered a key figure within Beirut's creative scene, comics author, visual artist and musician Mazen Kerbaj joins us on The afikra Podcast and discusses his upbringing in Beirut, his creative family background growing up around famous artist as parents, and the influence of the city's tumultuous history on his work. Kerbaj shares insights into his childhood during the Lebanese Civil War, his passion for comics, and the evolution of his artistic identity. He reflects on the impact of fame, the transformative power of creative expression, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. The conversation also delves into his unique experiences with blogging during the 2006 Lebanon War, leading up to his latest journaling work on Gaza which has lead to publishing a book in French – soon to be released in English with the title \"Gaza in my Phone.\" We also delve into his other critically acclaimed works and his thoughtful perspectives on music and visual art."}