Diaphanes

Objects Talk Back

Objects Talk Back is a project about the possibilities of literature to open up new stories and relations through museum archives. International writers are invited to explore collections at the Humboldt Forum Berlin, to select an object, and write about it however they wish.

Whiti Hereaka
He Heru – A Comb – An Ornament for the Most Sacred Part of the Body

2026

English edition

Diaphanes

forthcoming

From a seemingly simple comb, the award-winning novelist and playwright Whiti Hereaka creates a mirror work of reverence and beauty.

Maaza Mengiste
Of Interest to the General Public

2026

English edition

Diaphanes

forthcoming

Of Interest to the General Public is a narration by the Ethiopian writer and photographer Maaza Mengiste inspired by the history of the 1868 Napier expedition and the burning of the palace fortress at Magdala.

Eliana Hernández-Pachón
Suspended Waters

2026

English edition

Diaphanes

forthcoming

A poetic essay by Colombian writer Eliana Hernández-Pachón that explores the worlds of ritual, sanctity and abundance.

Cristina Rivera Garza
De-Blading the Knife – Writing Femicide in Mud

2026

English edition

Diaphanes

forthcoming

Inspired by a walrus-ivory Story Knife from the Arctic region, Mexican writer Cristina Rivera Garza creates a multi-faceted narration.

Rawi Hage
The Call

2026

English edition

Diaphanes

A personal reflection on fragmentation, language, and place.

Madeleine Thien
The Artisans

2026

English edition

Diaphanes

A reflection on the autonomy and eternity of art by Canadian writer Madeleine Thien, based on a mural in the Thousand Buddha Grottoes of Bezeklik, China.