Narratives of Familiar Spaces - A Sunday Morning Workshop with Kritika Arya

Starting our morning with smiles and a warm karak in hand,
we had the pleasure of hosting Kritika Arya for a creative writing and illustration workshop inspired by the themes of her memoir Citizen by Descent.

Through a series of essays and illustrations, Kritika’s memoir explores and captures the complexity of the diasporic identity. An identity one can resonate with if they have come from one place, live in another but still find it challenging to call a single place “home.” Her book weaves together themes of love, spaces, multiculturalism, confusion, belonging and the raw yet honest confessions that come with navigating and reflecting on these experiences. 

Exploring spaces through Words and art

Inspired by these themes, Kritika led participants through a series of guided exercises to write or illustrate a space they remember; whether physical, imagined or emotional. These prompts encouraged participants to unlock different emotions and memories associated with their chosen spaces, and to reflect on how this has shaped their identity.

As the session unfolded, we watched blank pages transform into intimate, vibrant spaces, scattered with sketches, writings, confessions and ideas. Participants, from both creative and non-creative backgrounds alike shared how the session was a necessary pause from busy routines, with one participant sharing how liberating it was to write for herself again after academic work. It was a moment to reflect and ride through the wave of the creative process, without external expectation or grading. 

Moments, memories and reflections

One of the most beautiful aspects we were able to observe through this workshop, was the ability to see how a space looks different to each participant. 

For example, one of our participants revisited the recurring presence of swimming pools as a space throughout her life; a space held by nostalgia, childhood joy, summers in different countries and later to symbolise comfort and privilege. Across the table, others explored grandparent’s bedroom, a place now only in memory, or the traffic of Sheikh Zayed Road being a quiet place of contemplation. Each interpretation revealed the ways between in which the physical and abstract and imagination can be beautiful, challenging yet complex.

It was truly empowering to observe women of different ages, careers and experiences, all sharing what spaces mean to them. It was an event to highlight the beauty of different creative languages, diversity of expression and the power of words and visuals in memory. 

This event had reflected the beauty and strength of what our community here at Hobb is capable of… the limitless potential and boundaries we can push together through learning, listening and inspiring one another. Being vulnerable and raw with our creative expression is not an easy task, but these simple yet effective prompts allowed it to seem effortless. We were able to foster a sense of belonging, even with shared experiences of feeling “in between” or unable to fit themselves in a rigid box. It meant the world to us to see how these explorations have created a warm, welcoming environment where connections were made, friendships formed, and inspiration flowed.

Participants left with a writing prompt card as a gift from Kritika, so that they can continue the same creative flow from the session in their own time. 

Slowing down

In a fast-paced city, the time for slowing down, reflection and nurturing ideas through creative expression is more important than ever. At Hobb, we are proud to provide a home for creativity, offering workshops that spark ideas, elevate skills and inspire minds. Our events are accessible to participants across all careers and creative levels.

We would like to give a warm thank you to Kritika and the company of all our participants for a memorable Sunday morning filled with reflection, community and connection. 

Feeling inspired? We would love to hear from you! Let’s find your creative outlet…

Follow our socials for our upcoming workshops - we hope to see you at the next one!

- Love, Hobb <3