Mira Hirtz is a curator for independent projects as well as at ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Germany, and an independent art mediator and performance artist. Her work looks at the intersections of art, science and ecology with a focus on community-based and embodied practices. Some of her main projects include the touring exhibition “Critical Zones. In Search of a Common Ground”, initiated by the ZKM | Karlsruhe and the Goethe-Institut South Asia 2022-2024 and “Assembling Grounds. Practices of Coexistence” at ZKM | Karlsruhe 2025/2026. She co-curated the program series “How do we care?” 2020 as well as Netta Weiser’s project “Radio-Choreography” 2024 at Badischer Kunstverein Karlsruhe. She currently co-curates the research and exhibition project “Intersections & Interventions: Barwe & Klee” in collaboration with Zapurza Museum of Art & Culture Pune, the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan Pune and the Zentrum Paul Klee Bern, as well as the collective research “Riverlandscapes” supported by the Pro Helvetia Synergies fund. As an artist and mediator, she has choreographed numerous performances and facilitates regular workshops and participatory events.
Raju Sutar, an arts school graduate with over 30 years of experience in the art world, has gained recognition for his work both nationally and internationally. As a member of the Zapurza team, he contributes as a curator and actively participates in various events and exhibitions. Specializing in contemporary art, Raju focuses on creating large-scale paintings, sheet metal installations, and fine art photography alongside video installations. "I always approach my work with the perspective of a painter, seeing objects through the lens of lines and structure," explains the Pune-based artist, who has explored a wide range of mediums throughout his career. Known for his commitment to preserving traditional crafts, Raju excels in translating emotions into visual language and conceptualizing innovative projects. Additionally, he has curated significant exhibitions featuring artists from around the world and has been invited to prestigious events such as Documenta 13 in Germany and the Florence Biennale 2015.
