When everything is about our personal and group validation, how can we get away from a future where everything is so geared to us and our lives that we can't see beyond our own interests? These and other questions will be covered by Ian McDonald.
His lecture " 'Army of Me': how our validation culture has made us incapable of solidarity" will take place from 2.15 pm at the main stage "Open-air summer sinema hall" in the Muzeon Park of Arts on June, 27, 2015.
The partiicipation is free of charge, registration is required.
Ian McDonald
Ian McDonald was born in Manchester, England in 1960 but has lived almost all his life in Northern Ireland. He's a writer of science fiction and the fantastic, mostly focusing on near-future fiction, in the developing world. He sold his first story in 1982 to a short-lived local magazine and bought a guitar with the cash. It was the only rock'n'roll thing he's ever done.
Ian's first novel Desolation Road was published in 1988. Still in print all over the world, it's become a cult classic. In the intervening years he's been nominated for every major award in the genre, and even won a couple – including the Hugo, and the French Grand Prix Imaginaires three times.
His most recent books are the three volumes of the Everness series for younger readers: Planesrunner, Be My Enemy and Empress of the Sun. Works for older readers include, River of Gods, Brasyl, Cyberabad Days and The Dervish House, a loose collection of three near-future novels set in the developing world; India, Brazil and Turkey.
Ian worked for fifteen years in television, in programme development of everything from children's television through to documentary to animation and a TV movie. He's out of TV now, but still smiles at a really good reality TV format.
Ian lives just outside Belfast, close to the sea, with his partner Enid.