Daniil Kharms was a Russian writer and poet, born on December 30, 1905, in St. Petersburg. He is best known for his absurdist short stories and plays, which often feature bizarre situations and illogical events. Kharms was a member of the literary group Oberiu, which focused on avant-garde and experimental art during the 1920s and 1930s. His work was largely overlooked during his lifetime, especially under the repressive regime of Joseph Stalin. Kharms was arrested in 1941 and spent time in a psychiatric hospital, where he continued to write. He died on February 2, 1942, and gained recognition posthumously for his unique style and contributions to Russian literature.