Author Archives: Arnest Makhin

Konstantin

“We are constantly dying and being reborn in every moment. If we accept that change is natural, we can embrace it. But most people resist—they cling to things: houses, spouses, money, status, anything that feels secure. Yet, as the Buddhists say, suffering arises when we hold on to what we think we have, when inContinue reading “Konstantin”

Andrea

On April 6, 2022, I was in Berlin when I received an email from a woman named Andrea. She wanted to take part in my art project—to share her perspective on the world. I replied, and we arranged to meet the next day at my place. At exactly 11 a.m., Andrea rang the doorbell. AsContinue reading “Andrea”

Canel [ d͡ʒɐŋɛɭ ]

I Let’s start with how you make your living.I just do what I like and be myself on social media. That’s what pays my bills — which is ridiculous, honestly. I’m a Gastarbeiter kid from Gelsenkirchen, the poorest city in Germany, where art isn’t taken seriously. Work there is supposed to be physical. That’s whyContinue reading “Canel [ d͡ʒɐŋɛɭ ]”

Chazz Cooks

“What is your fondest dream?” I asked Chazz.“To dance naked in a nudist colony, with no sense of time—only love, no judgment. That would be true happiness.” He smiled, his full lips parting to reveal straight, gleaming teeth. “Do you remember the first time you felt completely happy?”“It was the first musical I ever saw.Continue reading “Chazz Cooks”

Sasha Tischenko

I met Sasha in Berlin, where she had come to spend time alone for the first time since becoming a mother. Back on the island of Majorca, her twenty-month-old son was with his father and grandparents. She had anticipated this brief taste of freedom, but now that she was here, I wondered how it felt.Continue reading “Sasha Tischenko”

Valentina

Trigger warning – this interview discusses suicidal feelings. ‘Let’s talk about how you make your living,’ I said.‘I’m an artistic director,’ she replied.I was waiting for the continuation. She tried to tell me something but her lips seemed glued together. ‘Could you explain to me what you actually do?’‘All that (speaks indistinctly) like illustration, photos,Continue reading “Valentina”

Katya

‘Is there something that bothers you?’ I asked her.‘I worry very often and I know that it is me creating conditions for suffering,’ she answered easily. Her chin, mouth, cheeks and nose were concealed by a blue surgical mask. Her huge pale blue eyes, big forehead and long blond hair were visible. She was staringContinue reading “Katya”

Kira Piskernik

‘I’m a student and I’m studying biology’, she said calmly.‘Why biology?’ I asked.‘My teacher at school gave me her interest for biology,’ she said completely lacking in passion and emotion. ‘Do you like it?’‘Yes.’ Kira was my last client in Vienna before returning home. I was tired and nervous at the thought that I wouldContinue reading “Kira Piskernik”