Sound as haptic, spatial and architectural experience remained in the spotlight this year at MaerzMusik, but the promising interplay between different senses was a case of practice falling short of theory. “No Strings Attached” was the slogan for 2026, where vague statements about “being together” in “a moment marked by uncertainty, rupture and possibility” didn’t seem to take any particular form.
The Week Mar. 30–Apr. 5, 2026
Prof. Dr. Maria Böttche: ‘The Traces of War: Trauma and Its Consequences’ Talk: Monday, Mar. 30; 7-8pm Part of James Nachtwey: ‘Memoria’ Exhibition: Jan. 31–May 3, 2026 Admission: € 15 fotografiska.com/the-traces-of-war-trauma-and-its-consequences Oranienburger Straße 54, 10117 Berlin, click here for map Hanns Schimansky: ‘Zeichnungen und Faltungen’ Opening Reception: Tuesday, Mar. 31…
Choosing Her Own Path A Story of Strength, Decisions, and Growth
Not all journeys begin with struggle. Some begin with stability and yet, they become powerful stories of growth, resilience, and self-belief. This is the story of a woman who chose her own path at every stage of life, even when it wasn’t the easiest one.
Raised in a middle-class family, she experienced a childhood that many would call “comfortable.” There were no major financial hardships, no interruptions in education, and no lack of support. Her family’s reputation and strong social connections gave her confidence and exposure from an early age.
She was not just academically capable but also emotionally aware and socially active. Surrounded by a large family, she developed strong communication skills and a natural ability to connect with people.
Her journey through school was smooth, and like many ambitious students, she chose science for her higher studies. Studying in a girls-only campus, she adapted to a new environment but remained within a limited social circle.
It was engineering college that changed everything.
Choosing Mechanical Engineering a field often dominated by men was a bold step. But she embraced it fully. College life introduced her to independence, challenges, and real-world experiences.
This was where she evolved.
After graduation, she moved to Pune, hoping to build a career. But like many fresh graduates, she faced rejection and uncertainty. Her first job in marketing didn’t last long, as she realized it didn’t align with her strengths.
Instead of settling, she made a strategic shift.
She chose teaching a decision that brought her stability and growth. As a lecturer, she found purpose and comfort. Over time, she took on more responsibilities and eventually became the Head of Department.
Professionally, she was thriving.
But personally, she was entering one of the most challenging phases of her life marriage.
In a society where timelines often matter more than choices, she faced immense pressure. Proposal after proposal, expectations from family, and constant questions from society created emotional stress.
But she stood firm.
She believed that marriage was a lifelong decision and refused to compromise. She wanted compatibility, respect, and genuine connection not just a match.
After meeting dozens of prospects, she finally met someone who matched her expectations Ganesh.
Their relationship was built on understanding, communication, and mutual respect. Their marriage was not just a union of families but a decision made with clarity and confidence.
Post-marriage, life brought new opportunities.
Joining Pride was unexpected, but it became a turning point. Starting from a modest salary, she worked her way up, adapting to challenges, learning new skills, and proving her capabilities.
Even during the uncertainty of the pandemic, she didn’t stop growing.
And then, life changed again.
Motherhood.
Choosing to step back from her career, she prioritized her health and family a decision that reflects strength, not sacrifice.
Her story is a testament to the power of choice.
She didn’t follow the easiest path. She followed her path.
And that made all the difference.
Between Subject and Object: An Interview with Jagoda Bednarsky
This article is part of our feature topic Abjection. Jagoda Bednarsky is known for her large-scale paintings of other-worldly, dreamy landscapes, where body parts merge with nature. Breast mountains, cockerel flowers, personified moons, flora and fauna coalesce in Bednarsky’s work to form powerful motifs that repeat themselves in infinite iterations. Appropriated cultural and artistic references…
The Politics of Time: An Interview with Lesia Vasylchenko
Kyiv-born, Norway-based artist Lesia Vasylchenko works across video, photography and installation, examining how technological infrastructures reshape perception, memory and historical time. Her research-driven practice moves between satellite imaging, synthetic media and media archaeology while drawing equally on Ukrainian folklore and personal histories. Through these intersections…
Queer Art in the GDR: An Interview with Stephan Koal
When the world begins to change in ways that seem difficult to stomach, we tend to step towards the past, looking for sympathy but finding empathy. In the upcoming exhibition, ‘QUEER ART IN THE GDR? Biographies between Underground and Propaganda,’ a certain social and political history is examined through its artists, in such a way that, despite feeling like a different world…
Open Call for Berlin Art Week 2026 Featured Section
Berlin Art Week is now accepting applications for its Featured section as part of the 15th edition of the festival, taking place from September 9th to 13th, 2026. This open call invites Berlin-based art initiatives, project spaces, municipal institutions and special projects to submit proposals to expand the festival’s program. The Featured section highlights projects in newly discovered…
Journey of Transformation and Growth: The Inspiring Story of Akshada Bhagat
Her journey is a powerful example of transformation, where determination meets opportunity and persistence turns dreams into reality. Akshada Bhagat’s story begins in a small town, where life was simple, resources were limited, and exposure to the outside world was minimal. Despite these constraints, she always carried within her a strong sense of ambition and a desire to achieve something meaningful in life.
From an early stage, Akshada understood that growth required stepping beyond comfort zones. While her surroundings may not have offered many opportunities, her mindset was always focused on learning, improving, and becoming better with each passing day. She believed that her current circumstances did not define her future, and this belief became the foundation of her journey.
A significant turning point in her life came when she became a part of Pride. This phase was not just the beginning of a professional career but also the start of a complete transformation in her personality and outlook. Pride provided her with a platform where she could explore her potential, discover her strengths, and gain confidence in her abilities. It was here that she began to see herself not just as someone with dreams, but as someone capable of achieving them.
The initial days were not easy. Like any new journey, it came with its own set of challenges. She had to adapt to a new environment, learn new skills, and overcome self-doubt. There were moments of uncertainty and difficulty, but she chose to face them with courage rather than fear. Her willingness to learn from every experience, whether success or failure, became one of her strongest qualities.
With time, Akshada started to grow both personally and professionally. She became more confident, more skilled, and more aware of her capabilities. Each challenge she faced helped her become stronger, and each achievement motivated her to aim higher. She understood that growth is a continuous process, and she embraced every opportunity to improve herself.
One of the most remarkable aspects of her journey is the fulfillment of her childhood dreams. What once seemed distant and almost impossible gradually became a reality. She got the opportunity to travel across seven countries, an experience that not only broadened her horizons but also transformed her perspective on life. These experiences taught her valuable lessons about different cultures, adaptability, and the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Traveling to new places and meeting people from diverse backgrounds helped her develop a global outlook. It made her realize that the world is full of opportunities for those who are willing to take risks and explore. These experiences were not just achievements but milestones that reflected how far she had come from her humble beginnings.
Another crucial factor in her journey has been the role of mentorship. The guidance and support she received along the way played a significant role in shaping her mindset. Mentors helped her understand how to deal with challenges, manage pressure, and stay focused on her goals. Their insights and encouragement gave her the strength to keep moving forward even during tough times.
Akshada learned that success is not just about reaching a destination but about growing through the journey. She developed resilience, patience, and the ability to stay positive in difficult situations. These qualities became the pillars of her success and helped her navigate through various phases of her life.
Today, Akshada Bhagat stands as a symbol of strength, determination, and transformation. From a simple beginning to an empowered and confident individual, her journey reflects the power of belief, hard work, and consistency. She has proven that no matter where you come from, what truly matters is your willingness to grow and your courage to chase your dreams.
Her story is not just about personal success but also about inspiring others. It serves as a reminder that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, every struggle is a step towards growth, and every dream is achievable with the right mindset and effort.
Akshada’s journey continues, with new goals, new challenges, and new achievements waiting ahead. But one thing remains constant—her commitment to growth and her belief in herself. Her story is a testament to the fact that transformation is possible for anyone who is willing to work for it and never give up.
In the end, her journey teaches us that an ordinary life can become extraordinary with determination, the right guidance, and the courage to take the first step.
Laughter at the Threshold: ‘Finite Jest’ at Sophiensaele
What’s worse than the insincerity of comedy as a response to the grave? The performance of sincerity. Unsolicited, self-serving gestures of moral goodness; the arrogance of assuming one’s offers, made “in good faith,” are what the sick, suffering and dying want and need. Worse still is the offence felt by the good-giver when their well-meaning gestures don’t land as expected. Melanie Jame Wolf…
Seven Years, One Organization, Endless Growth: A Career Built on Trust
Her journey proves that leadership can grow from consistency, not just change.
In a time when frequent job changes are common, one HR leader’s story shows that long-term commitment can also lead to success.
She started her professional journey at a young age and gradually moved into Human Resources without prior experience. The trust shown by her management helped her grow step by step, learning the real meaning of responsibility.
Over the years, she stayed with the same organization, understanding its people, systems, and challenges deeply. Her role slowly expanded beyond HR into coordination, planning, and management support.
Because of her reliability, she became the person everyone depended on when something important had to be handled smoothly.
Eventually, she was promoted to Head of Human Resources and later given the additional role of Head Coordinator, recognizing the work she had already been doing behind the scenes for years.
Her journey shows that growth is not always about moving forward fast — sometimes it is about staying steady.