On 10 April 2025, a unique performance by Iranian artist Asareh Akasheh in the series “Unpublished Burden” took place in Poznań's PAWILON.

The action is a continuation of the artistic explorations that previously took place in Paris and Tehran, which the artist - Asareh Akasheh plans to bring to Poland and Zurich. The project focuses on the concept of creating a handmade book - a repository of human secrets that remain unspoken.  

In this action, the process begins with an introduction to traditional paper tools and materials, such as pulp, a water tank and a paper frame. Asareh creates the first page of the book and places it on the table. Then, one by one, participants approach her to write a personal secret or emotion on a piece of paper, fold it and place it on the freshly made wet page, which is “buried” between two sheets of blue paper. The artist then uses white fibres to draw, sign or create a small design on the surface of the sheet - the one containing his or her note. In this way, each participant will have a unique page with a hidden message in the centres and a visible design on the outside..   

The process continues until a book is created in which the number of pages represents the number of participants. Each page contains a secret hidden in the natural layers of handmade paper. The resulting work symbolises a collection of experiences, emotions and secrets that exist but remain forever unread. The book created for Poznan will be in accordion format so that it can be unfolded, allowing all the pages to be visible.

‘Unpublished Burden’ is a metaphor for the emotional and psychological burdens we carry - invisible but always present. These books, made in different colours and forms in different cities, reflect the diversity of human experiences and mysteries. Each volume is a testament to shared human journeys, encouraging respect for the unknown and the unspeakable.

The book created in Poznan will be made in shades of blue. The work invites us to contemplate the untold stories and unseen burdens that are an integral part of our existence, even if they remain forever unread.

The publication created during the performance will be presented to Katarzyna Kamińska, Director of the Raczynski Library in Poznan, as the artist's gift to the city.

This performance was an incredibly deep and emotional journey for both the participants and myself. Many participants described a sense of release or saying goodbye to a burden or memory as they entrusted their secrets to the book. It becomes a moment of intimate confrontation with oneself and collective participation in artistic creation.
For me, each performance is an opportunity to make a deep connection with strangers, to share their emotions without knowing their secrets. In each book I dedicate a page to myself, marking my presence and participation in the collective narrative.

Asareh Akasheh